NOCCI Partners with NIR COMELEC to Strengthen Advocacy Programs

Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) President Edward Du, together with Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Negros Oriental Provincial Director Engr. Aurelio Tinapay, met with Negros Island Region (NIR) Commission on Elections (COMELEC) regional officials led by Regional Director Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano and Assistant Regional Director Atty. Dindo Maglasang in Dumaguete City.

During the said meeting, NOCCI President Du expressed his gratitude to NIR COMELEC for being the first NIR Regional Office to partner with NOCCI in its advocacy programs and projects for Negros Oriental.

NOCCI Partners with NIR COMELEC to Strengthen Advocacy Programs for Negros Oriental

The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), led by President Edward Du, recently convened with key officials of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in the newly-created Negros Island Region (NIR). The meeting, held in Dumaguete City, was attended by Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Negros Oriental Provincial Director Engr. Aurelio Tinapay, NIR COMELEC Regional Director Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano, and Assistant Regional Director Atty. Dindo Maglasang.

This meeting marked a milestone in the collaboration between NOCCI and the NIR COMELEC, which aims to fortify advocacy efforts and community-oriented projects in Negros Oriental. NOCCI President Du expressed his sincere gratitude to the NIR COMELEC for being the first regional office of the newly-institutionalized Negros Island Region to establish an official partnership with the chamber in support of its ongoing programs.

A Strengthened Partnership for the NIR

The creation of the Negros Island Region has opened opportunities for local organizations to form strategic partnerships with government agencies to drive development and progress. In this spirit, the collaboration between NOCCI and the NIR COMELEC signifies a unified effort to build stronger advocacy programs in the region. These initiatives will focus on promoting civic participation, ensuring transparent elections, and enhancing digital literacy for the benefit of local businesses and the broader community.

NOCCI President Edward Du highlighted the importance of this collaboration in fostering mutual goals. “We are honored to have the NIR COMELEC as our first government partner in the region. This partnership signifies the commitment of both parties to advancing advocacy initiatives that not only benefit the business sector but also promote active civic engagement and participation in the democratic process,” Du stated.

DICT’s Role in Driving Digital Advocacy

The meeting also underscored the role of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), represented by Engr. Aurelio Tinapay, in advancing digital initiatives across the Negros Island Region. The DICT has been instrumental in supporting NOCCI’s efforts to implement programs that foster digital literacy and enhance the technological capabilities of local businesses and government units. Through its FreeWiFi for All program, DICT has made significant contributions to the accessibility of online platforms and services in remote and underserved areas in Negros Oriental.

Engr. Tinapay emphasized the importance of digital integration in modern governance and advocacy efforts, noting that technology plays a crucial role in increasing voter awareness, streamlining election processes, and supporting transparency initiatives. “With the advancement of technology, we are able to ensure that information reaches more people efficiently. This partnership between NOCCI, COMELEC, and DICT will empower communities and elevate their participation in civic activities,” Tinapay remarked.

NOCCI-COMELEC Collaboration for Transparent Elections

One of the primary objectives of the NOCCI-COMELEC partnership is to ensure transparency and inclusivity in future elections in the Negros Island Region. By leveraging NOCCI’s extensive network of business leaders and its commitment to social responsibility, the chamber aims to work closely with COMELEC in organizing forums, voter education campaigns, and information drives that promote clean and fair elections. This collaboration is expected to provide significant support for the region’s election processes, particularly in engaging with the business community to encourage voter registration and participation.

NIR COMELEC Regional Director Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano shared his optimism for the partnership and its potential impact on the region. “We are excited to collaborate with NOCCI in promoting greater civic awareness and involvement. Through this partnership, we can ensure that businesses and the wider community are better informed about their role in the electoral process, ultimately contributing to the integrity of our elections,” Atty. Castillano commented.

The Assistant Regional Director of NIR COMELEC, Atty. Dindo Maglasang, further echoed this sentiment, adding that this partnership serves as an example of how the public and private sectors can work together to safeguard democracy and build a more engaged citizenry.

Future Projects and Programs

The partnership between NOCCI and NIR COMELEC extends beyond election-related activities. Both organizations are exploring other areas of collaboration, particularly in community engagement, training programs, and initiatives that promote corporate social responsibility (CSR) across the region. NOCCI’s advocacy programs, such as promoting MSME development, digital literacy, and sustainable growth, align closely with COMELEC’s goal of fostering informed and empowered citizens.

NOCCI’s President Edward Du noted that this partnership is just the beginning. “We see great potential in collaborating with COMELEC, not just for electoral purposes, but also in driving advocacy efforts that can help uplift communities and businesses in the NIR. NOCCI remains committed to supporting projects that benefit the public, and this partnership will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for more impactful programs in the future,” Du explained.

A Unified Approach to Progress

As the newly-created Negros Island Region continues to evolve, partnerships like that between NOCCI and NIR COMELEC are essential to driving progress and development. With the support of the DICT, these organizations are poised to make significant strides in promoting transparency, civic engagement, and digital literacy.

This strategic alliance underscores the importance of collaboration between government agencies and the private sector in achieving shared goals. As both NOCCI and NIR COMELEC look forward to strengthening their cooperation, the community can expect a future shaped by inclusive participation, empowered citizens, and a robust local economy.