Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan expressed optimism on the progress ahead for the Negros Island Region (NIR) as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) opened its regional office here Monday afternoon.

“The NEDA-NIR office will play a pivotal role in crafting the region’s first Regional Development Plan, a blueprint to harness growth and foster resilience, and ensure no community is left behind,” Balisacan said in his message during the inauguration of the regional office located inside the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) Alijis Campus.

He noted that “the coming months will be crucial as we lay the groundwork for this vision.”

Balisacan said that in line with the Republic Act 12000 or the NIR Act, the Regional Development Group (RDG) of NEDA central office will collaborate closely with the local stakeholders as well as with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management and other government agencies to develop a roadmap for the NIR.

“Progress is already underway,” he added.

The inauguration of the NEDA-NIR regional office came after the Negros Occidental provincial government hosted the meeting in preparation for the organization of the Regional Development Council (RDC), the region’s highest planning and policy-making body, at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall here last week.

“After the elections, this inaugural RDC will chart the region’s course, ensuring socioeconomic strategies resonate with the aspirations of its people,” the NEDA chief said.

Balisacan led the unveiling of the NEDA-NIR office marker together with Undersecretary for RDG Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos, concurrent Regional Director Arecio Casing Jr., CHMSU President Norberto Mangulabnan, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, and Negros Oriental First District Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong.

“This moment marks a historic milestone not only for the NIR’s journey toward progress but also for NEDA as we proudly open our 16th regional office, reaffirming our commitment to inclusive region-driven development,” Balisacan said.

Lacson noted that establishing the NEDA-NIR office is “not merely opening a physical space” but also “inaugurating a new period of collaboration and strategic governance.”

Benitez said the “new hub will drive planning and development, fostering stronger collaboration between Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor as we work to make NIR a model region.”

Limkaichong also said, “NEDA truly plays a crucial role in advancing the goal of our region,” adding that “together, we would continue to work toward a prosperous and sustainable future for the NIR.”

In June last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law Republic Act 12000, or the NIR Act, creating a new administrative region comprising the provinces of Negros Occidental, including the highly-urbanized Bacolod City, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

Marcos said the new administrative region would be a “bulwark of greater growth” and a “conduit” for more effective and efficient delivery of essential services.

The President also pledged that the national government will provide the necessary assistance to bring the new region “up to speed as quickly as possible.”(PNA)