Gov. Chaco Sagarbarria has lamented the resurfacing of what he calls “crab mentality” in the political arena of Negros Oriental.
Sagarbarria said this negative trait of his detractors threatens to undermine the hard-earned progress under his administration.
In a statement released last week, the Governor said discredited politicians and their allies are launching attacks aimed at discrediting his administration, using misinformation, public shaming, and character assassination. He said these tactics are eerily similar to those seen during the 2022 elections, which culminated in the tragic assassination of then-Gov. Roel Degamo.
“Despite their track record of failed governance and questionable motives, these political detractors now present themselves as champions of peace, prosperity, environmental conservation, and public health. Yet the people of Negros Oriental, known for their strong sense of justice and collective memory, are not easily swayed,” Sagarbarria said.
He continued that his administration believes that peace and security must be for all — not just for the elite who operate with guns, goons, and gold. “The administration has worked to ensure that businessmen, workers, tourists, and even members of the media can live and work without fear,” he said, citing data from the Philippine National Police which indicates that the province has seen marked improvements in peace and order since he became Governor.
“My administration’s economic programs are designed to uplift every sector — especially agriculture, tourism, and the ICT-BPO industry. Projects like the Tamlang Valley Sustainable Agriculture for Growth and Resiliency Project, backed by the Department of Agriculture, are poised to transform Sta. Catalina and Valencia into food security zones with improved road infrastructure funded by national government agencies,” he said.
In 2024, Governor Sagarbarria imposed a moratorium on new sand and gravel permits after consultations with environmental groups. He has also mandated strict enforcement of marine protection laws and declared key marine zones as reclamation-free, showing a deep commitment to long-term environmental sustainability — a far cry from previous administrations accused of sacrificing nature for profit.
The Governor has likewise noted the province’s growing population’s urgent need for better public healthcare infrastructure, which moved the Province to establish the Negros Oriental Medical City, a 400-bed state-of-the-art public hospital set to open by 2033. Despite meeting all national financial requirements, including a certification from the Department of Finance, the project has been the target of relentless political attacks.
Governor Sagarbarria called on its people to reject divisive politics and support leaders who put the people first. “We must rise above the crabs,” he said, “only then can we truly build a peaceful, prosperous, healthy, and sustainable future for all.” (PR)
