THE FUTURE of Negros Island, which is composed of two provinces that belong to two separate regions, is up for discussion during the first of a series of federalism road shows that was launched Sunday, June 17, in Dumaguete City. Negros Oriental is under the Central Visayas Region, while Negros Occidental is part of Western Visayas. “Let us all be informed about the issues surrounding the regions, particularly the Negros Island, and how federalism will help us surpass our current problems in the unitary system,” said Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Jonathan E. Malaya, Administrator of the Center for Federalism and Constitutional Reform (CFCR). Mr. Malaya said the Consultative Committee (Concom) tasked to review the 1987 Constitution will discuss with Negrenses its proposed consolidation of the two Negros provinces into one as well as issues on agrarian reform, ancestral domain, and youth development. “We expect the Negrenses to take an active part in the discussions today (June 18) because we want to hear their voice on this very important issue that is close to their heart,” he said. On Aug. 7, 2017, President Rodrigo R. Duterte dissolved the Negros Island Region (NIR) due to a lack of funds. The NIR was created through Executive Order No. 138 signed during the previous administration under former President Benigno S. C. Aquino III.
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