BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Following his successful visit in the Pacific island of Guam, a territory of the United States of America, Negros Occidental governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he is studying the creation of the Negros Economic Development Authority (NEDA).
Lacson was invited by the Philippine Consul in Guam as Guest of Honor for the 124th Philippine Independence Day celebrations there last week.
According to Lacson, with the resignation of capitol consultant and now Bacolod City mayor-elect Alfredo Benitez, the formation of NEDA can provide the service for economic affairs and investment in Negros Occidental.
Benitez previously served as the capitol’s consultant on economic affairs and investments.
Lacson said the proposed NEDA needs to work with the government.
When asked if the creation of the province’s NEDA will pass before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Lacson said they will study the matter further pointing out the example of the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA).
GEDA is a public corporation created through legislation in 1965, and their representatives held a meeting with Lacson and other members of the provincial government last week.
During the meeting, both the provincial government and GEDA discussed a possible Economic Development Collaboration between Negros Occidental and Guam which would give additional opportunities for Negrenses.
GEDA’s broad responsibilities include the centralized direction, control and supervision of an integrated plan for the economic development of Guam through its programs and offerings, which include public finance services, business and investment assistance and incentives programs, and real property management./PN
