Negros Island Region

THE RECENT unanimous Senate approval of Senate Bill 2507, establishing the Negros Island Region ( NIR), marks a historic stride towards addressing long-standing administrative and developmental disparities encompassing the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. It represents not just a political reconfiguration but an opportunity for enhanced governance, economic development, and public service delivery.

The re-establishment of the NIR addresses a critical issue: the harmonizing of administrative functions. It is set to improve governance through the tailoring of policies and programs that are more aligned with the local context and needs of the three provinces. This is a shift towards empowering local governments there, thereby strengthening local autonomy. By the way, the strategic inclusion of Siquijor, due to its historical ties and geographic proximity to Negros, is a thoughtful consideration of cultural and socioeconomic linkages that can be leveraged for more cohesive regional development.

The NIR is poised to become a catalyst for economic growth. By providing a unified framework for development planning and investment programming, the three unified provinces can attract more targeted investments, boost local industries, and create jobs. The technical working group (TWG) tasked with the roadmap for the NIR’s institutional arrangements is a crucial step in laying down the infrastructure for sustainable development, ensuring that economic benefits are widespread and inclusive.

But perhaps the most immediate benefit of NIR’s establishment is the promise of improved delivery of government services. With regional offices set to be established within the NIR, residents will no longer need to endure the inconvenience and expense of travelling to Iloilo or Cebu to transact with national government agencies. This not only makes public services more accessible but also fosters a sense of belonging and identity among the residents, as their unique needs and concerns are more directly addressed.

Creating NIR is a bold step towards realizing the aspirations of the Negrenses for a more responsive, efficient, and inclusive government. Its success, however, will depend on the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, including local governments, national agencies, and the community, to ensure that the proposed new region reaches its full potential.