The exclusion of the Negros Island Region (NIR) from the 2025 national budget is a significant oversight that threatens to derail the hopes and aspirations of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Siquijor.
This newly minted island-region, signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on June 14, was envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth and improved governance for its constituents.
The establishment of a dedicated region promised more direct attention to the unique needs, faster administrative processes, and more efficient delivery of government services of the three provinces. The NIR was seen as a vehicle for economic development.
While it is understood that the crafting of the IRR is a meticulous process, the timeline extending to two or three years before the NIR becomes fully operational is concerning. The Technical Working Group (TWG) is set to meet in Manila next week to discuss the rules to be included in the IRR.
Sadly, the law creating the NIR did not include setting aside an initial budget to cover the foundational activities of the Region, such as the setting up of regional offices, hiring of essential personnel, and other preliminary activities that would ensure the smooth transition and eventual operationalization of the region.
By excluding the NIR from the 2025 budget, there is a risk of stalling the momentum gained from its creation, leading to frustration and disillusionment among the local populace.
The government must act swiftly to rectify this omission, demonstrating that the promise of the NIR was not just a fleeting political gesture but a genuine commitment to the advancement of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Siquijor.
The people of the Negros Island Region have placed their hopes in this new administrative setup. It is now up to the government to honor this trust by ensuring that the NIR receives the necessary resources to begin its journey towards becoming a fully functional and prosperous region.
