BACOLOD City – In a push to accelerate economic growth and improve the standard of living across the Negros Island Region (NIR), the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) has launched the Siquijor and Negros Island Business Week 2025, which officially opened on July 2 and runs until July 8 at the Atrium of SM City Bacolod.
The event aims to encourage the three provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor to step up collaborative efforts in addressing major regional challenges — even in the absence of a formal Regional Development Council (RDC).
MBCCI Vice President for Government Affairs Frank Carbon said the business week is a demonstration that despite structural limitations, the island provinces can come together and work in unity for regional progress.
Local government officials, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and various business and industry stakeholders gathered for the opening ceremony to showcase products, share insights, and build economic partnerships.
Negros Occidental’s Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson was represented by Charina Magallanes-Tan, Executive Assistant to the Governor and Provincial Information Officer. Bacolod City’s Mayor Greg Gasataya was represented by Dr. Frances Mae Llamas, head of the Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (D-LEDIP).
In a message delivered on his behalf, Gov. Lacson highlighted that for too long, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental have been separated by administrative classifications rather than geographical realities.
“This regional division has often led to missed opportunities for synergy and cooperation,” the governor said, emphasizing that both provinces share a common history, culture, and aspirations. “We are one island with a collective responsibility to move forward — together.”
He added that initiatives like this business week unlock promising opportunities for the region, such as better internal security coordination, environmental stewardship, disaster response, tourism expansion, improved access to regional services, and stronger governance.
“In short, it creates fertile ground for economic transformation,” he said.
The opening program concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially launch the business exhibits featuring a wide array of local products and innovations.
This year’s theme is: “The Vibrance of Businesses in Siquijor and NIR,” reflecting the energy and potential of regional collaboration to boost inclusive growth./PN
