MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)--The Senate approved the long-awaited Negros Island Region (NIR) Act on its third and final reading, unifying the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor into one administrative region.

"The island's current administrative division frequently causes problems for residents who must travel to Cebu or Iloilo for regional government services," said Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri, a Negrense through his father who was born in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

Negros Occidental is currently part of Region VI, while Negros Oriental falls under Region VII, with regional centers in Iloilo and Cebu respectively. 

Zubiri highlighted the difficulty in delivering people-centered governance under this setup, emphasizing the importance of accessible government services.

The NIR Act will split regional offices between Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, creating new growth areas. 

The Senate President hopes President Marcos recognizes the need for a unified NIR as the government's approach to bringing services straight to the people. 

He said it contributes to the region's ease of doing business by empowering residents and instilling investor confidence in its capacity to facilitate efficient government transactions.

"Bringing services directly to Negros Island aims to foster extensive economic and social development," Zubiri said, outlining the Act's potential impact. (Office of SP Juan Miguel Zubiri/PIA 10-Bukidnon)