Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said on Sunday, March 31, that they support the expected creation of the Negros Island Region (NIR) because it will bring greater development for its people.
The NIR bill has been approved in both Houses of Congress and Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri expects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign it into law soon.
The proposed NIR will be composed of Negros Occidental that is currently part of Western Visayas, and Negros Oriental and Siquijor that are part of Central Visayas.
Treñas told DIGICAST NEGROS the creation of the NIR will enhance the development on Negros with the regional offices located on the island.
Panay and Guimaras will still be part of Western Visayas but the creation of NIR will be a bigger development for the people of Negros, he said.
Defensor told DIGICAST NEGROS the passage of the NIR bill in both Houses is a welcome development.
The governor said when he was congressman they tried to also pass the NIR bill into law but it did not reach the finish line.
“We are happy that it is about to be signed by the president into law because that is good for Negros Occidental and Oriental,” he said.
The transfer of the regional offices to Negros Island will be better for governance and delivery of services, Defensor said.
That is good especially because Negros Occidental is separated from Panay by sea, he said.
“I am happy I would like to congratulate Negros in advance”, Defensor added.
The creation of the NIR is also “better for the overall development of Western Visayas. It will not affect people exchange and commerce”, Defensor said.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said he is thankful for the support.
Gov. Defensor understands that the creation of NIR will lead to an improved administrative organization, Lacson noted.*