Fuentebella defends creation of Nueva Camarines

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Camarines Sur Rep. Arnulfo Fuentebella said the partitioning of Camarines Sur should be viewed as an option for growth for the next generation of Camarines folk.

“The partition will pave the way for progress of both the old and the new provinces and more benefits to their constituents,” Fuentebella said.

The fourth district congressman also debunked the claim of Camarines Sur Gov. L-Ray Villafuerte Jr. and his political supporters that “the partition is just a self-serving political caprice.”

“The decrease in the number of towns that will share the allotted internal revenue allocation is significant in governance because the local governments can sustain themselves economically,” Fuentebella said.

Fuentebella is the principal author of House Bill 4728 which seeks to create the new province of Nueva Camarines.

Congress approved the bill on the eve of its adjournment on third and final reading.

Villafuerte opposed the bill because he said it would hamper the momentum of high growth that the province is now enjoying which he started through tourism and extreme sports competitions.

“This will surely derail the province’s rise as Bicol’s economic powerhouse and the country’s top eco-tourism and extreme sports attraction,” he said.

HB 4728, co-authored by second district Rep. Diosdado “Dato” Arroyo, seeks to include the towns of Caramoan, Garchitorena, Lagonoy, Presentacion, San Jose, Siruma, Tinambac, Goa, Tigaon and Sañgay in the fourth district and the towns of Baao, Balatan, Bato, Bula, Buhi and Nabua, including Iriga City, in the fifth district under the new province of Nueva Camarines.

Provincial board member Charie Pante supported the bill, saying the division of Camarines Sur would make it easier for local leaders to address problems within their areas of jurisdiction.

“Smaller territories would be easier to monitor and manage for faster growth,” Pante said.

The new provincial government would also present more opportunities for dynamic leaders and aspiring public servants, Pante added.