The first 100 days of Roel Degamo as Negros Oriental Governor came and went. And as expected, the 44-year-old Governor who got promoted twice through succession, described his “honeymoon” with his job as “not a bed of roses”.
Degamo faced the local media at the Capitol where he presented the highlights of his accomplishments since he took over the highest political seat in the Province on Jan. 5, following the consecutive demise of two Governors before him: the late Gov. Emilio C. Macias II, and his successor, the late Gov. Agustin Perdices.
Degamo called his honeymoon stage as “a period of frenzied activities”. “It was one [activity] piled on top of the other, to sum it up into one very hectic schedule,” he said during the press conference.
The first 100 days of a political leader is traditionally called the “honeymoon” period, a transition stage marked by general goodwill between the elected official and his constituents.
Although his administration can still be considered in its infancy stage, Degamo said he has received more positive feedback from various sectors. “This tells me that we are moving in the right direction,” he stressed.
After Degamo hastily took his oath after the unexpected demise of former Governor Perdices, he hit the ground running as he tried to finish the programs left by his predecessors, and at the same time come up with his own program of government.
On March 31, the Governor launched the Sa Probinsya, Mag Degamo ta!”, a program hinged on his flagship project dubbed HELP (Health, Education, Livelihood Programs).
Under HELP, several projects are now underway, the Governor outlined in his speech, foremost of which is the construction of 29 additional classrooms, upgrading of six community primary hospitals, construction of support infrastructure for local tourist spots, among others.
The Governor added that he intends to finish the infrastructure projects started by his predecessors. About 70 projects are currently ongoing, amounting to some P46 million, some of which were programmed and funded during the term of former Governor Macias.
Degamo vowed to triple his efforts for the next days under his administration. “As your Governor, I want to see all of you live healthy, peaceful, and happy lives,” he said. (RMN/PIA-7)
