National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said NEDA will play a pivotal role in crafting the first Regional Development Plan of the Negros Island Region (NIR).
It will be “a blueprint to harness growth, foster resilience and ensure no community is left behind”, he said.
Balisacan, who led the inauguration of the NEDA NIR Regional Office at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) Alijis Campus in Bacolod City on Monday, March 10, said it is the NEDA’s 16th regional office.
NEDA is committed to inclusive region driven development, he said, stressing that its mission is “to empower regions, address unique challenges and unlock their vast potential”.
The coming months will be crucial as they lay the groundwork and develop the roadmap for the NIR, he said.
In fact progress is already underway with Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson hosting a pioneering meeting last week uniting regional agencies and local government units to lay the foundation for the NIR’s Regional Development Council, Balisacan said.
After the May elections the inaugural RDC will chart NIR’s course, Balisacan said.
He also thanked Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez for his commitment towards the establishment and operationalization of the NIR.
“NIR’s success hinges on our unity, together we can transform challenges into opportunities , plans into action and aspirations into tangible outcomes for every Negrense”, Balisacan said.
Lacson said with the NEDA regional office NIR now has a dedicated institution that will steer socio-economic policies, coordinate regional development initiatives, and ensure that Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor move forward with a shared agenda for progress.
Lacson stressed the need to build a future where the NIR stands as a model of sustainable and inclusive development.
Benitez said the dream is to make the NIR an economic powerhouse.
He also stressed the need to make the NIR a model region where residents do not physically need to visit regional offices with the establishment of online platforms for transacting business.
“Let us embrace the advancement of modern technology…let us not be far behind in utilizing those tools to give better services to our constituents,” he said.
Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong (Neg. Or., 1st District) said the NEDA office will play a crucial role in advancing the growth of the NIR.
Also present at the inauguration of the NEDA regional office was its Regional Development Group Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo O. Abad Santos and concurrent NIR Regional Director Arecio A. Casing Jr., Carlos Hilado Memorial State University President Dr. Norberto P. Mangulabnan, and Bacolod Councilor Kalaw Puentevella.
Casing said NEDA is one of the pioneering agencies to establish a physical presence in the NIR, made possible through the generosity of the CHMSU that has provided them with office space.
Mangulabnan welcomed the NEDA to the CHMSU Alijis campus saying it is shared responsibility during the NIR transition period.*