DEPDev NIR Holds Strategic Meeting at Himamaylan City Hall

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Negros Island Region (DEPDev NIR), formerly NEDA, convened a strategic meeting at the Himamaylan City Hall to discuss proposed flagship infrastructure projects aimed at improving regional connectivity and integration across Negros Island.

Hosted by Mayor Rogelio Raymund I. Tongson, Jr., the meeting focused on the proposed construction of a road network and tunnel traversing the mountains of Negros to link Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental and Tayasan in Negros Oriental. The project will significantly shorten travel time between the two provinces and establish an alternate east-west corridor to enhance logistics and support emergency, response, and rehabilitation efforts in times of natural disasters, including the potential eruption of Mt. Kanlaon.

DPWH NIR, led by Assistant Regional Director Rodney A. Gustilo, presented technical notes and feasibility details, outlining current infrastructure conditions and potential routes for the proposed tunnel, during the May 7, 2025 meeting.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve connectivity, foster economic integration, boost trade and tourism, and improve access to services across the island.* (DDSMP)