DILG: Government to provide better public service with creation of Negros Island Region
By Chito Chavez

The creation of the new Negros Island Region (NIR) will enable the government to improve its delivery of public service in the area, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said.
Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong’’ Marcos, Jr. signed Republic Act (RA) No. 12000, which provides for the creation of the Negros Island Region (NIR), comprising the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
Previously, Negros Island was divided into two separate regions - Negros Occidental belonged to Western Visayas, while Negros Occidental belonged to Central Visayas.
Then president Noynoy Aquino issued an executive order that created the Negros Island but it was repealed by former president Rodrigo Duterte.
The DILG noted that the previous set-up led to various inefficiencies and delays in government services, including Negros islanders needing to travel by sea to regional centers located on other islands.
“With Negros island now considered part of a single region, the government can provide greater focus in its development efforts in the area,’’ the DILG noted.
Under the leadership of the President, the DILG assured that it will help ensure a smooth and efficient transition to the new regional structure.
“We look forward to the positive impacts that the NIR will bring to the lives of the Negrenses and the whole nation,’’ the DILG continued.