By EUGENE ADIONG
SAN CARLOS City — President Benigno Aquino III yesterday said the proposal to convert Negros Island into an independent region is now being studied by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Aquino led the inauguration of the San Carlos Solar Energy, Inc.’s 22-megawatt solar power plant, the first commercial-scale solar facility in the country, here yesterday.
Officials from Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental have been pushing for the creation of a “Negros Region.”
They believe that it will allow both provinces to push through various development initiatives together, specifically on infrastructure and peace and order.
The President seems to want to know more about the plan.
“Is it sufficient ’yong Negros by itself or the two Negros islands,” he asked. “[Do the] two Negros provinces have all the necessary components to ensure their growth?”
Aside from the DILG, “we will also get inputs from NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) and the Regional Development Council,” said Aquino.
He said he will take action as soon as DILG submits its recommendations.
NEDA, however, has been opposed to the plan, saying it is expensive and impractical./PN
