By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson emphasized the importance of sustaining momentum in the establishment of the Negros Island Region (NIR).
Lacson made the statement during the “Economic Prospects for Negros Island Region” forum hosted by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) on Tuesday.
The forum aimed to explore private investment opportunities in the newly established region.
Lacson noted that the event reflected the growing momentum being built by the NIR provinces.
“As leaders, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders, we must act decisively and collaboratively to ensure that the Negros Island Region becomes a model not just of progress but also of inclusivity. Let us embrace this new period with optimism,” Lacson said.
He highlighted that the NIR, with its approximately 4.3 million residents, would benefit from the creation of its own Regional Development Council and Regional Technical Working Team. These bodies are expected to improve the delivery of basic services, accelerate economic growth, and enhance social development.
The forum, held Tuesday morning at Citadines Bacolod City, focused on the economic potential of the NIR, with discussions on agribusiness, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities in real estate and infrastructure development.
Key attendees included Negros Oriental Governor Manuel Sagarbarria, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, Victorias City Mayor Javi Benitez, MBCCI President Atty. Juliana Carbon, and MBCCI Vice President for Governmental Affairs Frank Carbon.
In a press conference at his office on Tuesday, Mayor Benitez announced that he had signed the Internal Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the NIR.
However, he noted adding a condition to ensure that regional offices of government agencies would remain accessible to residents of the three provinces in the NIR.
Benitez also explained that Negros Occidental 6th District Representative Mercedes Alvarez initially withheld her signature for similar reasons. Both he and Alvarez have now signed the IRR for the NIR.
