FORMER Negros Occidental governor Rafael Coscolluela on Tuesday, August 1, said it would be a challenge for Negrense congressmen to work out the inclusion of Negros Island Region (NIR) in the 2018 national budget.
Coscolluela, who is a Capitol consultant, said the legislators should create noise and lobby vigorously because they are the ones who influence the budget process.
Interior Undersecretary Jesus Hinlo Jr. confirmed the NIR was not yet included by the Department of Budget and Management in the proposed 2018 national budget.
Second District Board Member Salvador Escalante Jr. said: “We just have to paddle our own canoe again. I believe Negrosanons are good at it.”
Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson remained optimistic for NIR, saying it will continue to function as a one island-region as long as President Rodrigo Duterte does not sign the executive order dissolving it.
