BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Misleading information was cited by Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. as the reason why the people in Negros Oriental were against the proposed One-Negros Island Region.
“They (Oriental officials) mislead the people there that’s why there’s hesitation,” Marañon said, adding that the participants in the consultation meeting in Negros Oriental were told there would only be one governor for the new region if it pushes through.
Marañon alleged that those who attended the meeting were asked if they want to be under an Ilonggo governor. “It’s misleading,” he said.
Marañon said this was however clarified after Negros Oriental Vice Governor Edward Mark Macias explained that there’s no regional governor in the proposal to merge the two provinces.
Those who attended the consultation were supposed to come up with signed manifesto opposing the the one-region bid, but it was stopped by Macias, according to Marañon.
Marañon reiterated that Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo has been politicking by declaring his opposition to the proposal and claiming it is not his priority right now.
When pressed on the chances of the one-island region plan before the term of President Benigno Aquino III ends in 2016, Marañon said there should be proper information campaign so that the people in Negros Oriental will be convinced of the proposal. “This is also a battle of the media,” he said.
Macias, for his part, said thEarth, Wind & Fire the stand of the people if they were not well-informed about the plan.
Meanwhile, Marañon added that the Siliman University, according to Macias, has signified to help with the research and data gathering, including socio-economic profiling, for the feasibility study of the bid. —(FREEMAN)