• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The implementation of the old Negros Island Region (NIR) set-up, during the new region’s transition period, was recommended during the meeting of members of the Visayas development committee at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Wednesday (Aug. 7).
Negros Occidental Fifth District Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo said on Thursday the meeting, which was also attended by representatives of the Department of Budget and Management, Department of the Interior and Local Government and National Economic Development Authority, was held in preparation for the NIR Technical Working Group meeting scheduled Friday, 2 p.m., at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Aside from the recommended use of the old NIR set-up, as suggested by Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who is the chairperson of the Regional Development Council-Western Visayas, concerns on the budget and personnel of regional offices were also discussed during the meeting.
Yulo said that the putting up of satellite offices of every regional office of various departments was also suggested.
Since there was no allocated budget for the NIR in the proposed national budget for 2025, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siqujior, which comprise the new region, may still use their allocations from Regions 6 and 7, he added.
“All of us committed to make NIR work,” the solon said.
The NIR TWG meeting today will be presided over by DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. | GB
