CEBU, Philippines – Negros Oriental is ready for one-island region, according to Representative George Arnaiz (2nd district, Negros Or.), as he pointed out that the people here already have a clearer picture on the proposal to unite the two Negros provinces-Occidental and Oriental-into One-Negros Island Region.
"I can feel now that the people understood what one-island is about," said Arnaiz, citing the results of a series of consultative fora held in his province. "Majority of our people is for it," he added.
Arnaiz said Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. has been strongly pushing for the new region, a proposal first conceptualized 20 years ago.
Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo however has been very vocal with his opposition against the proposal although Arnaiz remained optimistic for its realization, saying that President Benigno Aquino III has the last say about it.
"It's the president that matters. If he says yes, even if there's opposition from the provincial executive, he can do it," Arnaiz said. "If the president feels good for one-island, he can do it through an executive order."
Arnaiz was hopeful that Degamo will change his stand on the regionalization. "This transcends politics. I feel strongly that it's good," he said while confirming that he will run for governor in the 2016 elections.