NOCCI officers led by President Edward Du participated in the Committee Meeting of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee and TIEZA Hyperbaric Chamber Center (HCC+).
During the Committee hearing NOCCI President Edward Du presented NOCCI’s 3 recommendations and solutions to the ongoing delay in the construction and realization of the first Hyperbaric Chamber Center in Negros Island region.
NOCCI Pushes for Progress in Negros Island’s Hyperbaric Chamber Center Project
The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), led by President Edward Du, recently participated in a crucial Committee Meeting organized by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee in collaboration with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). The agenda focused on addressing delays in constructing the much-anticipated Hyperbaric Chamber Center (HCC+) in the Negros Island region.
This landmark healthcare facility is poised to become the first of its kind in Negros, with the potential to enhance healthcare services and boost tourism. However, significant construction and operational delays have hindered its realization.
During the meeting, President Du presented three actionable recommendations from NOCCI to expedite the process and ensure the project’s timely completion.
Understanding the Hyperbaric Chamber Center’s Importance
The Hyperbaric Chamber Center (HCC+) is envisioned as a state-of-the-art facility equipped to treat decompression sickness, often experienced by divers, as well as other conditions such as non-healing wounds and carbon monoxide poisoning. Its strategic location in Negros Island makes it invaluable not only for medical purposes but also for promoting health and wellness tourism.
President Edward Du emphasized the center’s dual potential: improving local healthcare capabilities and attracting medical tourists. “This facility represents a critical opportunity to advance Negros Island’s standing in health tourism while ensuring our residents have access to advanced treatments,” Du stated during the session.
NOCCI’s Recommendations to Overcome Project Delays
NOCCI’s commitment to facilitating economic growth and development was evident in the three recommendations President Du outlined to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee and TIEZA:
- Streamlining Permitting Processes
NOCCI called for a review and simplification of bureaucratic procedures delaying the project. Du highlighted the need for TIEZA and local government units to collaborate in reducing administrative bottlenecks, which he identified as one of the primary reasons for the delay. - Engaging Private Sector Expertise
President Du proposed a public-private partnership (PPP) approach, inviting seasoned healthcare providers and investors to collaborate with TIEZA. This partnership could leverage private sector resources and expertise to expedite construction and operations. - Establishing a Monitoring Task Force
To ensure the project stays on track, Du recommended creating a dedicated task force composed of representatives from NOCCI, TIEZA, and the local government. The task force would oversee timelines, budgets, and progress to mitigate further delays effectively.
The Role of Local Stakeholders
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee commended NOCCI for its proactive engagement. Several committee members expressed their agreement with Du’s proposals, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
“NOCCI’s involvement showcases how the private sector can drive solutions for public projects. We look forward to aligning our efforts to meet the shared goal of completing the Hyperbaric Chamber Center,” said one committee member during the hearing.
The project’s completion would bring widespread benefits, including creating job opportunities, enhancing local medical services, and fostering a new avenue for tourism. For Negros Island, the center represents a key piece of infrastructure that could transform the region’s healthcare landscape.
Looking Ahead
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee, along with TIEZA, is now reviewing NOCCI’s recommendations to implement feasible solutions. Meanwhile, NOCCI has reaffirmed its commitment to providing support and expertise to move the project forward.
In closing, President Du urged all stakeholders to act decisively, noting that every delay further postpones the economic and healthcare advantages the center would provide. “Time is of the essence. NOCCI is ready to assist in any way possible to ensure this vital project becomes a reality for Negros Island,” Du concluded.
A Transformational Project in the Making
The proposed Hyperbaric Chamber Center on Negros Island symbolizes more than just healthcare advancement; it represents a significant step forward in economic and tourism development for the region. As NOCCI continues to advocate for actionable solutions, the community waits with optimism for the project to regain momentum and fulfill its transformative potential.
