Negros Occidental map
BACOLOD CITY — Three Negros Oriental representatives on Wednesday, December 7, vowed to continue pushing for the creation of the Negros Island Region (NIR) despite opposition from its governor.
Representatives Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong – 1st district, Manuel Sagarbarria – 2nd district and Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. – 3rd district are co-authors of House Bill 1446 that seeks to create Region VI-B along with all the representatives of Negros Occidental.
The proposed Region VI-B will be composed of Negros Occidental and Oriental, and Siquijor. Negros Oriental and Siquijor are currently part of Region 7, while Negros Occidental belongs to Region 6.
Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo cited language and cultural differences as reasons for his opposition to the NIR.
Limkaichong said it is sad that Degamo is not supportive of the bill when consolidating the two Negros provinces is really for the benefit of the Negrenses.
“As a congresswoman, my mandate is really to the people. I am their representative, and there is really a strong clamor for the NIR from my constituents,” she said.
Aside from bringing various government services closer to the people in our provinces, the NIR will translate to greater employment opportunities for Negrenses, Limkaichong said.
“They will no longer have to travel to Iloilo City or Cebu City, because the regional offices will be located in our provinces. As we bring national government services closer, we create jobs that will be available for our people,” she said.
Ultimately, Limkaichong said the goal is to strengthen the autonomy of the LGUs, and to accelerate economic and social development in both provinces.
“We are hopeful that Governor (Degamo) will see the wisdom of this bill, and that this will be for the best interest of the people of Negros,” she said.
Teves, for his part, said Degamo is not a lawmaker and that whatever he says will have no bearing.
“The NIR will be crafted by a law,” Teves said.
“Negros Oriental and Occidental want the NIR. Maybe, Degamo is opposing it because of a lack of understanding,” he added.
Sagarbarria said Degamo’s opposition to the NIR is “his prerogative but most of the congressmen on the island of Negros are working very hard through legislation to create the Negros Island Region.”
“We believe it can bring more progress to the island, especially because we’re working as one…and it is better for everyone,” he added.
“That is his prerogative, he may have his own reasons. We also have our own reasons so let us respect each other,” he added.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who is supporting the creation of the NIR, said Degamo’s opposition “is not good news but we’ll see.”
“We already have senators who really pushed for NIR and we will continue to support that stand,” he said.
Lacson said they could reach out to Degamo and find out what may change his mind.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has also submitted his position paper to Congress in support of the NIR.
Benitez said his alternative to the NIR in the meantime is creating a Region 6 sub-region where all national government agencies will set up offices in Bacolod to serve the needs of the people of the city and Negros Occidental.
“It is up to Negros Oriental to decide whether it wants a sub-region,” he said.
Benitez said he and Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. will present the proposal to President Marcos.
In 2015, then president Benigno Aquino III issued Executive Order No. 183, creating the NIR that effectively brought government services closer to the residents of Negros Island. However, in 2017 the NIR was abolished by former President Rodrigo Duterte.
RELATED STORY:
Negros governors split on Negros Island Region revival