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BY AYIN DREAM D. APLASCA
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The NIR
“So, Compañera, where is your next hearing?”
“Northern part.”
“Mine’s in Region XVIII.”
“Hahahahaha.”
A FEW days ago, we were joking about Negros Island Region (NIR) as the 18th region of the country because it is just a 45-minute to an hour ride by boat from Region VI. However, when people hear that you are going to the 18th region, it sounds like you are going to the last and furthermost corner of the country.
Fast facts: the NIR was created two years ago and it was by virtue of Executive Order (EO) No. 183 which was signed by then President Benigno Aquino. Before this, the two provinces belonged to different regions – Negros Occidental in Western Visayas and Negros Oriental in Central Visayas. The EO made it possible for the two provinces to merge as a one-island region. Thus, it was the 18th region of the country.
For that reason, it accelerated the efficiency of the government because people will no longer travel from Negros Island to Iloilo City or to Cebu City to transact business in different government agencies. It also promotes social and economic development and public services in the two provinces.
However, it was a sad day for Negrosanons on Monday. President Rodrigo Duterte signed EO No. 38 revoking EO No. 183 which created the NIR. The EO reverts the provinces of Negros Occidental to Western Visayas (Region VI) and Negros Oriental to Central Visayas (Region VII).
My thoughts? By means of NIR, there will be efficiency in government transactions and development will be faster. The mobility and logistics will be faster in times of emergencies.
However, this is not the case with President Duterte. This may be a trial and error or an experimental matter of future federal states of the Philippines. It is a tryout as how it would exist separate from a central government.
Negros Island is the fourth largest island in the country and I do hope the President will consider it as a priority when the federal government comes closer. The need to unite the two provinces is a must. They need to reinforce their own cultural identity when it comes to language, principle, terrain, and values.
The fight for one Negros is not yet over. But for now, Panay Island will embrace again the other half of Negros Island.
(Atty. Ayin Dream D. Aplasca practices her profession in Iloilo City. She may be reached thru ayindream.aplasca@gmail.com/PN)
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