A lawmaker is pushing for the timely implementation of the measure that will facilitate the establishment of government facilities closer to Negros Island communities--something that is deemed crucial for the island's economic progress.

Negros Occidental 6th district Rep. Mercedes Alvarez presided over a recent House panel meeting to tackle the status of the Republic Act (RA) 12000 or the Negros Island Region (NIR) Act, which was enacted in June 2024.

In the meeting held by the House Committee on Visayas Development, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-NIR Regional Director Arecio Casing Jr. said that the operationalization of the regional office was ongoing.

Casing adds that once it is set up, the NEDA-NIR will proceed with organizing the Regional Development Council (RDC) in NIR right after the elections.

The measure, said Alvarez, will enhance "the efficiency and responsiveness of public service delivery".

According to Casing, their current plan is to have the RDC-NIR proceed to draft the NIR Regional Development Plan.

For now, Department of Agriculture (DA)-NIR OIC Red Jose Barrogo said temporary satellite offices have already been set up in Bacolod City, Dumaguete, and Siquijor.

"We are envisioning that Negros Island Region to be the new investment region blooming with opportunities," Barrogo said.

However, Department of Budget and Management (DBM)-NIR RD Maria Liane Gayumali clarified that no fund for the operationalization of the NIR was allocated in the 2025 budget.

The reason for this was because the proposed 2025 national budget had already been submitted before the NIR Act was enacted, Gayumali explained.

Nonetheless, she said, funds for the operation of the NIR for 2026 and succeeding years will be incorporated in the upcoming national budgets.