BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Local government officials in Negros have lauded the approval on second reading of a bill creating the Negros Island Region (NIR).
The Senate approved Senate Bill No. 2507 before it adjourned for the Christmas break on Wednesday. Under the proposal, the NIR shall be composed of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the approval of the bill is “a step closer” to establishing a new region in the Visayas.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, chairman of the Negros Occidental Association of Chief Executives, said the passage of the bill was “great news.”
“Hoping it passes the Senate and President Marcos signs it for the Negrosanons. Let’s all support this,” Benitez said.
The former NIR, which was composed of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, was created under Executive Order No. 183 issued by the late president Benigno Aquino II1. It was abolished under an EO issued by former president Rodrigo Duterte.