By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Island Region (NIR) is expected to be fully operational by 2027, with its budget set for inclusion in the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson made the announcement over the weekend following the first coordination meeting of NIR regional directors on Wednesday at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City. The meeting was held in preparation for the formation of the region’s Regional Development Council (RDC-NIR).
Lacson said 50% of personnel requirements for NIR regional offices will be filled by 2026, with full staffing expected by 2027.
He noted that while NIR is already functional, some smaller line agencies have yet to establish offices and assign personnel.
Currently, their respective budgets are sourced from Regions 6 (Western Visayas) and 7 (Central Visayas).
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have yet to appoint their respective regional directors for NIR, Lacson added.
Lacson said the organization of the RDC-NIR is expected to take place after the May 12 elections.
“It is an essential step to ensure that governance in NIR will be efficient, responsive, and truly attuned to the needs of our communities,” he said.
In June 2023, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law Republic Act 12000, also known as the NIR Act, creating a new administrative region comprising Negros Occidental, Bacolod City, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
Under Executive Order 82, at least 12 government agencies and offices have been designated as additional members of Regional Development Councils (RDCs) to accelerate the economic and social development of the regional units.
Lacson urged agencies under the RDC-NIR to submit programs, activities, and projects for prioritization under the new region.
