Mayor Degamo denies rumors she is vying for Congress

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — “I believe in my capacity and capability to be the House representative of the 2nd district of Negros Oriental,” but “kon kaibog lang sa position ang basehan, hakog ra pod ko kaayo,” said Mayor Janice Degamo of Pamplona town in reacting to rumors she is running for Congress in the 2019 local elections.

The mayor said she already told her husband, Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, that she is already in a position to realize her dreams for Pamplona, and the dreams and aspirations of her constituents.

Mayor Degamo told reporters she is really determined to change Pamplona into the town that it should be and that she believes she is right on schedule, after which “it is up to the Lord where” she will go next. “Dili ra ta magdinalo,” she quipped.

Her priorities for Pamplona include waterworks projects, roads and tourism-related projects, as well as economic developments.

Meanwhile, a series of activities had been lined up for the Yamog Festival of Pamplona in celebration of the town’s forthcoming weeklong fiesta celebration starting October 1.

Scheduled activities included a Holy Mass; run-for-a-cause, the proceeds of which will go to the special children of the municipality; blood-letting activity; veterinary services; a dog show; search for Little Yamog Prince and Princess; Yamog Festival Queen and Yamog Matron Queen; fireworks display; a live band free concert; macho boxing; and the Yamog Festival itself on October 6, to be capped with a balloon parade with the presence of KC Tandingan.