BACOLOD CITY – Reelectionist Sen. Francis N. Tolentino has sought support for the province of Siquijor under the newly created Negros Island Region (NIR).
“Siquijor should not be left behind,” Tolentino said.
TOLENTINO. (Glazyl Masculino)
During a media interview in Negros Oriental on Thursday, Feb 20, Tolentino stressed the importance of Siquijor receiving the same level of assistance that Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental has.
Tolentino, a key advocate for the creation of the NIR, said that there are established structures in place as the new region officially takes shape.
He cited Negros Oriental province he visited during a rally with Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
Tolentino noted the province’s peaceful environment and rise as tourist destination with nearly 500,000 visitors. He believes the region is poised to lead in tourism and development within the NIR.
Fellow senatorial aspirant Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao expressed commitment to advancing Senate Bill 2463, known as the Free Public Housing Act.
Pacquiao said that the bill’s goal is to provide free housing and sustainable livelihood to Filipinos with emphasis on securing the necessary budget for its full implementation. He reaffirmed his advocacy to provide homes for the homeless.
NIR-DILG Assistant Regional Director Teodora Sumagaysay shared that the DILG-NIR is currently operating at 70 percent capacity, as several of its programs, funds, and functions are still under Regions 6 and 7.
She noted that the department is facing a shortage of personnel that has impacted its ability to fully operate.
President Ferdinand R. 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.