Candidates from the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition pledged to secure funding for the Negros Island Region's (NIR) transition if elected, citing concerns about potential delays due to budget constraints.

The NIR, comprising Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, was recently re-established.

Former Senator Panfilo Lacson said funding must be included in the 2026 national budget, noting that preparations for the National Expenditure Program are underway.

“If this is overlooked, the best thing to do is for Congress, particularly the Senate in our case, to make sure there is funding because many regional offices need to be organized,” Lacson said.

He highlighted the lack of permanent leadership and facilities for key regional offices, including the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Lacson suggested using unprogrammed funds under the President’s Special Purpose Fund for immediate needs. He also called for official recognition of Siquijor in the region’s name, suggesting NISR (Negros Island and Siquijor Region).

Meantime, Senator Francis Tolentino stressed the need for funding to establish regional offices and infrastructure, including a Philippine National Police regional headquarters.

He said while operating budgets for agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) remain under their original regions, additional funding is needed for relocation and operations.

Tolentino also stressed the need for disaster response funding due to ongoing volcanic activity from Mt. Kanlaon.

“We have a problem now with the DSWD and perhaps the OCD (Office of Civil Defense) because Kanlaon continues to erupt,” Tolentino said.

He urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to expedite transition funding, citing his experience securing funds for Sulu when it was removed from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Tolentino proposed that agencies rent temporary office spaces while awaiting permanent regional offices.

The NIR was re-established by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through Republic Act 12000.

Lacson and Tolentino pledged to ensure funding in the 2026 budget and work with DBM, NEDA and local officials.