BACOLOD City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo confirmed that the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) will be the interim head of the Regional Development Council (RDC) Negros Island Region (NIR).
Benitez, former chairman of the RDC 6 (Western Visayas), said Tuesday, March 11, 2025, it was agreed that Neda would be interim head of the RDC NIR until after the midterm elections in May.
“For now, it’s difficult to conduct an election for RDC NIR because after May elections, you will elect again a new set of officers,” he said.
Benitez, who held a meeting with Neda officials in Bacolod City on Monday afternoon, March 10, noted that the Neda would temporarily assign
officers for RDC NIR.
Benitez said he also turned over all his responsibilities to the new head of RDC 6.
On June 13, 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12000, or the NIR Act, which established the new region composed of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental
and Siquijor.
The implementing rules and regulations of RA 12000 was published on Feb. 3 and was formalized on
Feb. 18.
Prior to the NIR’s creation, Negros Occidental was part of Western Visayas, while Negros Oriental and Siquijor were part of Central Visayas.
Moreover, Neda has officially opened its regional office at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) Alijis Campus in Bacolod City on Monday.
The unveiling of the Neda NIR office marker was led by Neda Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Benitez, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, and Neda NIR concurrent Director
Arecio Casong, CHMSU president
Norberto Mangulabnan.