(Photo courtesy of DEPDev-NIR)
BACOLOD CITY – Around 20 government agencies brought programs and services closer to residents as the Negros Island Region opened its first Regional Development Council Week at SM City Bacolod on Monday.
The weeklong observance, themed “NIR RISING: Shaping a Smarter, Greener, and Stronger Island Region,” aims to raise public awareness of regional development initiatives across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
The Department of Economy, Planning and Development-NIR said the opening caravan gave residents access to information, assistance and government services in one venue.
Negros Oriental Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria, chair of the RDC-NIR, said regional development requires cooperation that goes beyond political and geographic boundaries.
The Negros Island Region was created under Republic Act 12000, signed into law in June 2024. It covers Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
Sagarbarria said the movement of people and goods among the provinces helps drive the regional economy and strengthen competitiveness.
The opening was led by DEPDev-NIR Director Jam Colas-Villaber, Department of the Interior and Local Government-NIR Director Lailyn Ortiz and Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
Activities lined up for RDC Week include a heritage learning visit in Sibulan and Dumaguete City on Sept. 22, a tree-planting activity in Canlaon City and a pickleball tournament in Dumaguete City on Sept. 23, and the closing program in Dumaguete City on Sept. 24.
The celebration also unveiled the RDC Week logo, which features elements representing the region’s agricultural sector, natural resources, tourism potential and the resilience of its people.
RDC Week is observed every fourth week of September under Presidential Proclamation 1164 to mark the role of regional development councils in planning and coordinating development programs.
