President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed the Negros Island Region (NIR) Act in a ceremony in Malacañan Palace on June 13, 2024.

Known as Republic Act (R.A.) No. 12000, the measure creates the Provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor Island into one Administrative Region or the ‘Negros Island Region.’

The law is expected to further improve socioeconomic growth throughout the newly established Region for the benefit of the Negrenses.

The enactment underscores the provision of a more effective and efficient delivery of services in the Region.

Rep. Francisco Benitez of the 3rd District of Negros Occidental expressed how thankful he is to the President's support in the creation of NIR. 

“We thank President Marcos, Jr. for his support of our dream of a separate administrative region for Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor," Rep. Benitez said in an interview with DYSI Super Radyo Iloilo. 

Benitez said that the Act will bring government services closer to the people of Negros Island and Siquijor. 

(Courtesy: Philippine Information Agency Negros Oriental, GMA Super Radyo Iloilo)