In a historic move that marks a significant milestone in the administrative landscape of the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law the bill creating the Negros Island Region on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
The Journey to Unity
The journey towards the creation of the Negros Island Region has been a long and arduous one. The idea was first conceived in the 1980s with the aim of consolidating resources and creating more opportunities for the residents of the island. The push gained momentum during the administration of Benigno Aquino III, who issued an executive order in 2015 creating the Negros Island Region. However, the order was revoked by his successor, Rodrigo Duterte, in 2017 due to lack of funds.
The dream was revived under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who made the creation of the Negros Island Region a priority. The new law, Republic Act No. 12000, integrates the provinces of Negros Occidental, Bacolod City, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor into a single administrative region.
The Promise of Progress
The creation of the Negros Island Region is expected to bring about a host of benefits. By consolidating the administrative operations of the two provinces, the government aims to streamline services and expedite the delivery of public services. This is a significant development, especially for the residents of the island who have long grappled with administrative inefficiencies due to the provinces belonging to different regions.
Moreover, the new region is expected to spur economic growth. With more coordinated efforts and consolidated resources, the region can focus on sustainable development and attract more investments. This, in turn, can lead to more job opportunities and improved livelihood for the Negrenses.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward to the future. The creation of the Negros Island Region is just the beginning. The real work lies in the implementation of the law and the transition to the new administrative setup.
In the coming weeks, the Office of the President is expected to release further details about the implementation and transition plan. A technical working group will also be formed to iron out the details of the institutional arrangements for the new region.
Indeed, the signing of the bill into law marks a new dawn for Negros. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to decentralization and empowering local government units. As we move forward, we hope to see the promise of progress turn into reality for the Negrenses.