The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Visayas has unanimously approved five game-changing resolutions aimed at driving economic resilience, technological advancement, and tourism growth across the newly formed Negros Island Region (NIR), Edward Du, president of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), said Tuesday, May 19.
The endorsement was finalized during the conclusion of the 3-day 35th Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC) in Bacolod City last week, which brought together regional business leaders and public officials.
Originally drafted and presented by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, NOCCI, and the Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the resolutions target critical gaps in infrastructure, agriculture, and governance.
The five resolutions are:
• On Aquaculture and Sugar Industry Support: Urging the immediate release of ₱50 million in FishCORE grants for the blue swimming crab sector and infusing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and precision technology into sugarcane farming.
• On Powering Siquijor: Pushing for a submarine power cable interconnection between Negros Island and Siquijor Island to meet soaring tourism demand.
• On Stronger Governance: Advocating for the creation of the Negros-Siquijor Development Authority (NSDA) and institutionalization of the Visayas Inter-Island Chambers Tourism Alliance (VITA) as “The New Gateway to the World.”
• On Border Reforms: Fast-tracking a Digital Nomad Visa framework and expanding visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry for NIR foreign visitors.
• On Eco-Tourism: Reviewing Apo Island diving fee increases to stay globally competitive, and prioritizing eco-friendly port solutions to preserve Apo Island’s ecological integrity.
At the close of the conference, business leaders and public officials from across the NIR pledged to deepen cooperation and accelerate development, Du said.
Stakeholders committed to working closely with the national government to transition these resolutions into policy, aiming to secure a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for all Negrenses and Siquijodnons amidst prevailing global economic uncertainties, he added.*
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