Talks continue Mar joins one Negros Island region meeting

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Interior Secretary Mar Roxas will join the Negros leaders for the consultative meeting today to continue talks on the proposed One Negros Island Region.

This was confirmed by Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., saying that “his (Roxas) attendance is a very good sign (for the proposal) because he wants to hear the advantages and disadvantages” of uniting the two Negros provinces—Occidental and Oriental—into one region.

“If he already knows the advantages of the proposal, I think he will recommend it to President Benigno Aquino III for approval,” Marañon told The Freeman.

Earlier, Aquino said he will wait for the findings of the Department of Interior and Local Government before he will take action on the proposal.

More than 200 officials from the two provinces have confirmed their attendance in today’s meeting at the Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City.

Negros Oriental Vice Governor Edward Mark Macias will lead his province’s delegates, including mayors, vice mayors, Provincial Board members and councilors.

As of press time, Governor Roel Degamo of Negros Oriental has yet to confirm his attendance. He was a no-show in the One Negros Island Region Summit in Kabankalan City early this month, reportedly due to a prior commitment.

Reports said Degamo has yet to sign the PB resolution supporting the proposal to merge the two provinces.

Also, expected from Negros Oriental to attend were Representatives Manuel Iway of the 1st district, George Arnaiz of the 2nd district and Pryde Henry Teves of the 3rd district.

Marañon will lead the delegation of Negros Occidental, along with Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson, PB members and mayors of the province.

Representatives Leo Cueva of the 2nd district, Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez of the 3rd district, Jeffrey Ferrer of the 4th district, Stephen Paduano of Abang-Lingkod party-list and Gary Alejano of Magdalo party-list were also expected to attend the consultative meeting.

About 243 officials had already signed the manifesto of support that will be submitted to the president within this month.