NEDA inaugurates 16th regional office in Negros Island Region

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan expressed optimism about the future progress of the Negros Island Region (NIR) during the inauguration of the NEDA-NIR regional office in Bacolod City on Monday, March 10.

Balisacan emphasized that the new office will play a crucial role in crafting the region's first Regional Development Plan, aimed at fostering growth and resilience, noting that this is NEDA’s 16th regional office.

The NEDA chief highlighted the importance of collaboration between local stakeholders and government agencies to lay the groundwork for this vision over the coming months.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12000 last year, creating a new administrative region comprising Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor to promote greater growth and efficient service delivery.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by key officials including Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson of Negros Occidental, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, and Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong.

Officials stressed the importance of strategic governance in driving planning and development for the NIR, aiming to make it a model region, and NEDA will facilitate the creation of a Regional Development Council following the May elections.