The Negros Association of Chief Executives has passed a resolution inviting the officials of Negros Oriental and Siquijor to join the Negros ACE and embrace the vision of a one Negros Island Region (NIR).
Victorias Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez, Negros ACE president, said on Monday, May 20, that he is going to Negros Oriental this weekend to meet with officials there for initial talks.
Benitez said he may be accompanied by Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante.
The Negros ACE is dedicated to promoting solidarity, collaboration, and the exchange of knowledge and resources among local chief executives within the NIR, its resolution dated May 10 said.
The creation of the NIR composed of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor has been approved by Congress and is awaiting the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to become a law.
“The Negros ACE is committed to advancing the aspirations of One Negros Island Region, embodying the spirit of unity and collective progress for the benefit of all communities across Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Siquijor,” the resolution said.
The adoption of the One NIR entails fostering strong camaraderie, sharing technical expertise and best practices, advocating common concerns, and supporting initiatives that contribute to the holistic development and wellbeing of the region, it said.
Negros ACE serves as a vital platform for chief executives to convene, discuss, and address shared challenges and opportunities, including but not limited to development projects, governance issues, health, environment, peace and order, livelihood programs, and financial assistance, the resolution said.
The Negros ACE also passed a resolution appealing to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to maintain the status quo of the contemporary map of Negros in the creation of the NIR.
The Negros ACE is apprehensive that the implementation of the Negros Island Act may affect the contemporary map of the Negros Island in terms of altered boundaries between certain cities and municipalities within the region, the resolution said.*