Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez has commended senators for their dedication and commitment toward the progress and unity of Negros Island after they approved Senate Bill No. 2507 establishing the Negros Island Region (NIR) on Tuesday, March 12.

BENITEZ (FB)
“Today is a momentous day, as the Negros Island Act has been approved on its third reading in the Senate. Together, we forge ahead for a brighter future,” Benitez said in a statement released on Wednesday, March 13.
Benitez is upbeat that regional satellite offices will be established in Bacolod as he revealed that several regional office heads have expressed interest in putting up satellites office in the city during the last meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-Western Visayas.
The chairman of the RDC-Western Visayas said that he will ask the department and regional heads in their next meeting if they are interested in putting up satellite office in Bacolod once the bill becomes law.
Benitez is hopeful that the measure will hasten and speed up the services of various government departments.
“Let’s wait for the bicameral. I think after the bicameral, it will go to the Office of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his signature. Hopefully, soon,” Benitez said.
Benitez said that they can provide a space for the departments that are interested in putting up satellite offices in Bacolod.
He said that the city is currently expanding the Old City Hall and constructing the legislative building at the Bacolod City Government Center. They could also accommodate them through their government centers at SM City Bacolod and Ayala Malls Capitol Central.