The Regional Development Council of the Negros Island Region (RDC NIR) held its Third Quarter Full Council Meeting on September 16, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, bringing together regional officials and representatives to discuss development concerns and initiatives affecting the region. According to the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental, the meeting focused on strengthening regional collaboration while addressing concerns related to economic development, infrastructure, social development, the environment, and other areas important to the continued development of the Negros Island Region. The RDC is a regional coordinating and planning body, with its work connected to regional development planning and investment priorities. DEPDev NIR has also described the council's role in developing regional planning documents and coordinating stakeholders across the region.
Regional Leaders Gather for the Third Quarter Meeting
The Third Quarter Full Council Meeting brought together representatives from different levels of government and regional agencies. The Provincial Government of Negros Oriental identified RDC NIR Chairperson and Negros Oriental Governor Manuel “Chaco” L. Sagarbarria, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson, RDC VIII Chairperson and Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, and OIC-Regional Director of DEPDev NIR Atty. Jam Jam M. Colas-Villabres among those present. Various regional directors, mayors, and representatives from government agencies also participated in the meeting. The gathering provided a venue for officials and regional stakeholders to discuss concerns that require coordination across different sectors and areas of the Negros Island Region.
Development Concerns Take Center Stage
During the business portion of the meeting, several Regional Development Concerns were discussed. Among the matters identified in the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental's post were the confirmation of RDC NIR Executive Committee Resolutions, updates concerning RSSI infestation, and the status of the sugar industry in the NIR. The council also discussed updates on the upcoming 4th RNIP Dialogue, staffing concerns, and the establishment of regional line agencies within the Negros Island Region. Another item involved the request for the Province of Leyte to share, provide orientation on, and customize its Quick Monitoring System (QMS) for possible adoption in the NIR.
Sectoral Committees Share Updates
The meeting also included reports from several sectoral and other committees under the RDC NIR. These included the Economic Development Committee (EDC), Development Administration Committee (DAC), Social Development Committee (SDC), Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC), Environment Committee (EnviCom), and Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC). The participation of these committees reflects the wide range of development areas covered by regional planning and coordination.
