The transition team of the National Economic and Development Authority-Negros Island Region (NEDA-NIR) has reached out to various local government units (LGU) of the new administrative region to enhance direct communication and promote collective action.

“Discussions concentrated on strategies for addressing local challenges and the activities involved in formulating the Regional Development Plan and organizing the Regional Development Council,” it said in an update on Thursday.

The courtesy visits, led by concurrent regional director Arecio Casing Jr., came after the inauguration of the NEDA-NIR regional office inside the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University Alijis campus here on March 10.

From March 23 to 28, the agency’s transition team has visited 14 LGUs.

These included the cities of Bago, La Carlota, Himamaylan, Kabankalan, and Sipalay in Negros Occidental, as well as the cities of Canlaon, Guihulngan, Bayawan, Tanjay, Bais, and Dumaguete in Negros Oriental.

The rest were meetings with Negros Oriental provincial officials and with Siquijor provincial and municipal officials.

In an earlier statement, Casing underscored the importance of stakeholder support in creating meaningful and lasting impacts that will contribute to the region’s growth and prosperity.

“We value the trust and confidence of our development partners and we hope to receive your continued support as we do our share in uplifting the lives of our people in the NIR,” he said.

During the NEDA-NIR regional office inauguration, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the Regional Development Group of NEDA central office will collaborate closely with the local stakeholders as well as with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, and other government agencies to develop a roadmap for the NIR.

Republic Act 12000, also known as the Negros Island Act, establishes the region composed of the provinces of Negros Occidental, including the highly-urbanized Bacolod City, as well as Negros Oriental and Siquijor. (PNA)