Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo on Tuesday announced that he will create a council tasked to reach out to the barangays, cities and municipalities to get the pulse of the people on the proposed one-Negros Island region.
Degamo’s statement came following a report from a regional paper that said his opposition could delay the take-off of the proposed one-island region.
This was a concept first introduced about 20 years ago and revived recently with Negros Occidental officials in the lead.
The report said Degamo’s opposition was politically motivated, to which the Negros Oriental Governor rejected, saying he was just quoting an initial radio survey that showed majority of those who participated in it were against the one-island region.
In an interview Tuesday morning, Governor Degamo clarified with reporters that his stand on the proposed move is not final, and whether he will oppose or agree with it will be determined by the people’s vote.
But getting the pulse of the people will need a big budget and the help of the media as well to make them understand what the one-island concept is all about, the governor said.
“On my side, I did not say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ but I want to see a feasibility study”, Degamo added.
The Negros Oriental governor reiterated that he wants to see convincing data first that would uplift the lives of the people, otherwise, he will not take the risk of supporting the one-island region.
Degamo reiterated that he is currently happy with Negros Oriental being a part of Region 7.
As to the holding of a one-Negros Island region summit in Negros Oriental, Governor Degamo said it will definitely push through.
However, no date has yet been set as he is still coordinating with the availability of Interior & Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas. (PNA)
