DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael Lotilla yesterday announced the establishment of the Negros Island Region (NIR) office with career executive Charlie Fabre as officer-in-charge with the rank of regional executive director.
Republic Act No. 12000 re-established the Negros Island Region, including the island province of Siquijor.
The NIR was originally created in 2015, comprising Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, but was abolished in 2017.
“The establishment of the DENR-NIR marks a significant step towards ensuring environmental conservation in the Negros Island Region, which is home to critical watersheds, biodiversity hotspots, and vibrant coastal and marine ecosystems, including the Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area and the Sagay Marine Reserve in Negros Occidental, as well as the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park and Apo Island Protected Landscape and Seascape in Negros Oriental,” Lotilla said.
Meanwhile, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling issued Department Order No. 2025-021 transforming the Expanded 4PH into beneficiary-centric program aimed not only at building decent homes but offering dignified living for homebuyers/beneficiaries. Rio N. Araja
The directive also simplified the previously complex application process for homebuyers/beneficiaries under the original 4PH, he said.
