Local government units, businesses, MSMEs, and various industries gathered recently for the opening of the Siquijor and Negros Island Business Week 2025, held at the Atrium, SM North Wing in Bacolod City.
The event was spearheaded by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) led by its president, Juliana Carbon, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, and the Bacolod City Government, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Governor Bong Lacson was represented by Executive Assistant to the Governor and Provincial Information Officer Charina Magallanes-Tan, while Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya was represented by Dr. Frances Mae Llamas, Head of the Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (D-LEDIP).
“For far too long, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental have been separated by classification rather than geography.”
In his message, Lacson emphasized that for far too long, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental have been separated by classification rather than geography. This regional division, he said, has often led to missed opportunities for synergy and cooperation.
The governor added that the two provinces share more similarities than differences, being part of one island with a common history, shared aspirations, and a collective responsibility to move forward—together.
“It creates fertile ground for economic transformation.”
According to him, this collaborative activity brings with it a wealth of promising possibilities: more coordinated internal security, improved environmental stewardship, streamlined disaster response, expanded tourism, better access to regional services, and stronger governance. In short, it creates fertile ground for economic transformation.
The opening program concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially launch the product exhibits.
This year’s theme was: “The Vibrance of Businesses in Siquijor and NIR.”
