Top officials in the province and city of Iloilo have expressed support for the re-establishment of the Negros Island Region (NIR) even before it was signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said that there’s no problem with the re-establishment of the NIR as it will have “a better administrative coordination.”

The governor said that it was really the planned direction in the past as he recalled his stint in the Congress where they tried to pass the NIR bill, but didn’t materialize.

“That’s been the planned direction even before and it is good to know that it is now pushed through,” he said.

“We are happy to be with Negros Occidental in one region, but if they need it [NIR], then it is good, we are happy about that, especially that they are one island only,” Defensor added, noting that the NIR would have no effects for Iloilo.

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, in his previous press conference, said that the creation of the NIR would promote more efficient government service and governance in the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

“I am happy about it. I think it will really do good for Negros because they will have the whole island for themselves together with Siquijor.  I support that because I think this has been pushed by the stakeholders coming from the two provinces,” the mayor added, noting that the realization of NIR would also spur economic development for the region.

He pointed out that the creation of NIR would only probably have minimal effects on the economy of Western Visayas, saying that he is confident in Iloilo City’s position to potential investors despite the change.

“It will give Negros Island a chance to develop their full potential and ensure their participation in the country’s development due to their proximity. With that, we will also be able to work closer again, because for us in Panay and Guimaras, we will be the ones remaining,” he said.

It is noted that the NIR was initially established in 2015 through Executive Order (EO) No. 183 issued by former President Benigno Aquino III, but was later abolished by then President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017 through the EO No. 38.

Now, the NIR has been re-established again after President Marcos Jr. signed into law the Republic Act (RA) 12000 or the Negros Island Region (NIR) Act, which aims to promote administration decentralization; strengthen local autonomy; and accelerate economic, cultural and social development.AAL/JNH/PIA ILOILO