NIR Update: 2025 National Expenditure Program Inclusion Efforts

The Negros Island Region (NIR) is a region in the Philippines that is currently in the process of being established. This article will explore the challenges and efforts surrounding NIR’s inclusion in the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

Background of the Negros Island Region

The NIR is a proposed region that would encompass the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. Many advocate for the creation of NIR to stimulate economic development and enhance government service delivery in the region.

Challenges to NIR’s Inclusion in the Budget

There are a number of challenges to NIR’s inclusion in the 2025 NEP. One challenge is that the proposed national budget for 2025 has already been submitted to Congress, and it does not currently include funding for NIR. Determining the appropriate funding allocation for NIR remains a challenge due to the lack of consensus.

Efforts to Secure Funding for NIR

Despite these challenges, there are ongoing efforts to secure funding for NIR. These efforts include congressional insertions and lobbying. Congressional insertions are a way for members of Congress to add funding for specific projects to the national budget. Lobbying is the process of trying to influence the decisions of lawmakers.

Optimism for the Future of NIR

Despite the challenges, there is a sense of optimism about NIR’s future. The formation of a technical working group and the relocation of government agencies indicate progress. The inclusion of NIR in the 2025 NEP would be a major step forward for the region.

NIR Update: Timeline

1980s	Officials from Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental propose a one-island, one-region unit.
1990s	Talks between Governor Daniel Lacson Jr. of Negros Occidental and Governor Emilio Macias of Negros Oriental begin.
2013	Negros Oriental Representatives Pryde Henry Teves and George Arnaiz, and Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. with Representative Alfredo Marañon III and Coscolluela continue the one-island region talks.
May 29, 2015	President Benigno Aquino III signs Executive Order 183, creating the Negros Island Region.
August 9, 2017	President Rodrigo Duterte signs Executive Order No. 38, dissolving the Negros Island Region.
June 11, 2024	President Bongbong Marcos signs Republic Act No. 12000, re-establishing the Negros Island Region.

Stay tuned for the next NIR update article.