God does work in mysterious ways in the life of Roel Ragay Degamo, the new Governor of the Province of Negros Oriental.
About nine months ago, this simple and unassuming man had nothing more in mind than to serve his constituents in the 3rd Legislative District of Negros Oriental as their representative in the Sanggunian Panlalawigan.
But as fate would have it, certain unexpected developments catapulted him to the gubernatorial post — a position which was farthest from his mind.
Now, people are asking: Who is this man? Where is he from?
Roel Degamo is the son of Arturo and Luzminda Ragay-Degamo. He was born in barangay Bonawon in the municipality of Siaton, Negros Oriental on April 29, 1966 (which only makes him 44 years old). His siblings are Gina Estrella, Ronie, and Roderick.
Roel Degamo studied and finished his primary education from Pio Macahig Memorial School in Siaton starting in 1972 until 1978. His high school days from 1978 to 1982 were spent at St. Louis School in Calindagan, a Catholic school ran by the CICM Fathers.
He spent the years 1982 to 1989 as an Engineering student at Silliman University where he earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering degree. After his graduation, he took and passed the licensure examinations for Mechanical Engineers given in 1989.
He once worked as a driver at ROW-NORSA of the National Power Corp.; mechanic/driver of PB 207, CIP; then senior plant mechanic and Electrical Control operator of PB 107, Palawan-Napocor; and finally, as acting PEC of Palawan-Napocor.
As destiny would have it in 1998, Roel Degamo got himself involved in politics. His is a classic case of the cliche “If it’s really meant to be, it was meant to be.”
His political career started when he was elected as councilor in the municipality of Siaton from 1998 to 2007. He became president of the Provincial Councilors League-Negros Oriental Chapter from 2004 to 2007, which gave him a seat in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as representative of the PCL.
He was also elected as Region VII chairperson of the PCL, which entitled him a seat in the National Board of the Philippine Councilors League.
In 2007, he ran and was elected as one of the three regular members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan representing the 3rd legislative District of Negros Oriental.
In the May 2010 local and national elections, he overwhelmingly won again as one of the three members of the Sannguniang Panlalawigan for the 3rd District (from Valencia down to Basay). The votes he garnered ranked him as the Number One member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Thus, Degamo assumed as Vice Governor after Vice-Governor-elect Agustin Perdices assumed the gubernatorial post left by elected Gov. Emilio C. Macias II who died before the formal oath-taking ceremonies.
The death of Gov. Agustin Perdices on Jan. 5, 2011 has forced Degamo to again move up the political ladder, this time to that of Governor.
Roel Degamo is married to Janice Mira Vallega from Pamplona, Negros Oriental, an English teacher at the Negros Oriental State University-Siaton. They are blessed with a son, Carlo Remontal.
“I know there are a lot of experts out there. I am willing to listen to good advice,” Degamo said, adding that he is a fast learner and is ready and willing to give this job his best shot.