After years of hibernation, the possibility of creating a one-island region in Negros was again revived by officials of the two Negros provinces last week.
Negros Oriental legislators led by Vice Gov. Mark Macias and 2nd District Rep. George Arnaiz met with officials of Negros Occidental in Talisay City, following their participation in the opening of the Panaad Festival in Bacolod City upon the invitation of Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr.
In a dialogue presided by former Negros Occidental Gov. Rafael Coscolluela, officials of the two Negros provinces set a timetable for the campaign on the creation of a one-island region that will include the passage of resolutions from the barangays up, an island-wide summit, and a lobby for congressional and presidential support.
Macias said that prior to their meeting, the Provincial Board of Negros Oriental held a special session in Talisay, and they passed a resolution renewing their support for the one-island region plan. Macias said this move is also being supported by Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, who was unable to attend the dialog.
Negros Occidental belongs to Region VI (Western Visayas), while Negros Oriental belongs to Region VII (Central Visayas).
Most of the regional offices of Region VI are located in Iloilo City in Panay Island, while those of Region VII are in Cebu Island.
The Negros officials hope that, with the creation of the island-region regional offices can be established at the border of Occidental in Kabankalan City and in Mabinay on the Oriental side.
Macias said the Negros officials agreed to solicit resolutions of support for the move from all of the barangays, towns, cities, councilors’ leagues and provincial development councils of both provinces, with the deadline for submission set in June after which a summit will be held to prepare for the creation of the island-region, he added.
The idea of a one-island region was hatched in the early 1990s by then Negros Occidental Gov.Daniel Lacson and Negros Oriental Gov. Emilio Macias II.
Arnaiz said he is optimistic the congressmen who are members of the Visayas bloc will take up this matter in their next meeting and support the creation of the island region that needs an act of congress.
He said both provinces have been working together in joint organic agriculture, hospital, road, and bridge projects, and needs to also collaborate on environment protection. (PNA)
