4 line agencies want to relocate NIR regional offices

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — At least four line agencies had requested to relocate their interim regional offices to this city from Dumaguete City.

These agencies are the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of Health, and the Department of Tourism.

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo however was not too keen about relocating them. He said, “there was a suggestion but I told the agencies that I have to consult the other members” from his province first.

The matter of relocating the interim offices was tackled last Saturday during the second meeting of the Negros Island Region-Technical Working Group at the Capitol in Bacolod City, presided by Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento.

Degamo said: “We need those offices in our province. Maybe this time, I’d like to ask for an apology to Negros Occidental. During our deliberation in the DILG office in Manila, Negros Oriental was the first to choose and I picked the Human Development section and there was no objection.”

He said that, when the TWG started crafting the implementing rules and regulations of the NIR, officials from Negros Oriental identified that the agencies under the Human Sector could help and improve the quality of life of his people, adding that Negros Occidental is more progressive compared to his province.

The TWG is composed of the Office of the President, the Department of Budget and Management, the National Economic Development Authority, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and representatives of the two provinces, lead by their respective governors.

Sarmiento said the TWG will wait for Degamo’s consultation with Oriental officials, whether they are amenable or not, and (to know) if there is a need for TWG to sit down.

Meanwhile, the NIR-TWG nominated Negros Occidental Governor Marañon Jr. as chairman of the Negros Island Development Council, and Degamo as chairman of the Negros Island Peace and Order Council. Both of their appointments are subject for approval of President Benigno Aquino III. (FREEMAN)