Governance in the newly formed Negros Island Region (NIR) is taking shape with initial efforts to organize the Regional Development Council (RDC), the region’s highest planning and policy-making body.

On Wednesday, directors of various regional line agencies gathered at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall here for the first coordination meeting on the organization of the RDC-NIR convened by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

In a message, the host, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, said the gathering can be considered both “pioneering and historic” as a crucial step in organizing the RDC.

“The fact that we are gathered here is a proof of our commitment to ensuring that the creation of the NIR is not only a milestone on paper but a transformation that will uplift our island and the lives of our people,” he said.

Lacson said the organization of the RDC-NIR, expected to take place after the May 12 national and local elections, is “an essential step to ensure that governance in NIR will be efficient, responsive and truly attuned to the needs of our communities.”

NEDA-NIR concurrent Regional Director Arecio Casing Jr. said that aside from being tasked to formulate the regional development plan and the regional development investment program, the RDC-NIR is also mandated to submit a report to the Office of the President on the transition towards the full operationalization of the new region.

Critical activities for the organization of the RDC pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 82, series of 2025 was tackled by NEDA-NIR Team Leader Marlon Jinon.

Other discussions focused on the budget concerns, project prioritization, and salient points of the agency transition plan until the full operation of the NIR by January 2027.

Agencies that will comprise the RDC-NIR were also urged to submit programs, activities and projects for prioritization under the new region.

Last month, the NEDA-NIR opened its temporary office at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University Alijis Campus in this city.

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.

Under EO 82, at least 12 government agencies and offices are designated as additional members of RDCs in an effort to speed up the economic and social growth and development of the regional units. (PNA)