BACOLOD CITY – Sen. Imee Marcos expressed concern after the fund allocation for the Negros Island Region (NIR) did not make it to the proposed 2025 national budget.

SEN. Imee Marcos, with Negros Oriental Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria (right) and Negros Occidental Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, speaks in a press briefing in Bacolod City on Thursday, August 1. (Glazyl Masculino)

Marcos said that she discussed the budget situation with Negros Occidental Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer and Negros Oriental Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria during her visit to this city.

“We have discussed with both officials on how to go about it,” Marcos said in a press briefing after attending the Provincial Assembly and Seminar of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL)-Negros Oriental Federation at the SMX Convention Center here on Thursday, August 1.

Sen. JV Ejercito, principal author of the NIR, said that a P1.2-billion annual budget over the next three years has been recommended for the NIR.

Marcos said that her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., signed into law Republic Act 12000 or the NIR, composed of the provinces of Negros Occidental (including Bacolod City), Negros Oriental, and Siquijor on June 13.

“Wala pang Implementing Rules and Regulations (The law has no IRR yet). Hindi na nakapasok sa budget (Funding didn’t make to the 2025 budget). The (2025) budget was already planned and printed,” she added.

Marcos said the original timeline for the NIR to be operational is after the elections next year and its full operation is practically in two years.

“But of course, given the enthusiasm and expectation of our people, let’s try to hasten it up a bit,” she added.

Marcos said that provinces are awaiting the establishment of various national government offices.

She stressed that the budget is a matter of grave concern because the people are really expecting so much from the big change of NIR.

“We need to stake a gameplan so we can include it even if only for skeletal offices. The most important offices in the cities of Bacolod and Dumaguete,” she said.

Marcos said that she is hopeful that they can discuss it with President Marcos.

She said that they have to ask financial managers what is the best way to at least establish skeletal offices.

The senator said they will look for resources for NIR, including from the discretionary funds of various departments. She, however, noted that the problem will also be the operational expenses.

“We are realistic that NIR cannot be operational overnight. But, at the same time, we’re also aware of the eagerness and enthusiasm of our people, who are expecting a great deal that government goods and services be delivered much more efficiently and quickly. I hope we don’t fail that,” she said.

“Hopefully, we can pull together and find some funds,” Marcos said as she assured that she will do her very best this budget season.

Sagarbarria, who is vocal about his support for the NIR, thanked the President for signing the NIR law.

He said the provincial government of Negros Oriental is helping provide office spaces.

“I know it’s not going to be instant, but I hope the budget should really come. If that comes in, it’s going to be a good start,” he said.

Ferrer said that he is hopeful that the national government can find ways for the NIR allocation.

He said the NIR is a dream come true and there will be ways to insert funds for it during the budget deliberations. “There is will be a lot of time for that,” he added.