Department of Economic Planning and Development – Negros Island Region concurrent regional director Arecio Casing Jr. leads the strategic meeting on the proposed NIR Tunnel Connector with Himamaylan City officials on Wednesday*
The proposed construction of the Himamaylan-Tayasan tunnel connector in the Negros Island Region (NIR) is poised to spur growth in the newly formed administrative region and the rest of the Visayas, a key official of the Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) said on Wednesday, May 7.
In a statement, DEPDev-NIR concurrent regional director Arecio Casing Jr. said the connector project would use the most relevant construction technology to achieve the safest, fastest, and economical mode of travel between the key cities east and west of Negros Island.
“This is a major cog in the wheel, together with the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge, which would bring the Visayas regions to greater heights,” he said.
Casing said the Visayas are the main connecting points from the Batangas-Mindoro-Panay route to Negros-Northern Mindanao route that links Luzon to Mindanao.
The tunnel connector, which will traverse the mountains of Negros to link Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental and Tayasan in Negros Oriental, will provide highway support to the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge.
The DEPDEv said it will “significantly shorten travel time between the two provinces and establish an alternate east-west corridor to enhance logistics, and support emergency response and rehabilitation efforts in times of natural disasters, including the potential eruption of Mt. Kanlaon.”
In a strategic meeting, the DEPDev-NIR team led by Casing, together with the team from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DSWD) – NIR, discussed the proposed flagship infrastructure project with Himamaylan City Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson Jr.
DSWD-NIR Assistant Director Rodney Gustilo presented the technical notes and feasibility details, outlining current infrastructure conditions and potential routes for the proposed tunnel.
“The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve connectivity, foster economic integration, boost trade and tourism, and improve access to services across the island,” the DEPDev-NIR said.
In 2024, the economy of the NIR grew by 5.9 percent in 2024, with an estimated value of PHP636 billion, making it the seventh fastest-growing region in the country.*PNA