The House of Representatives adopted on Wednesday, March 8 a resolution expressing its sincere condolences to the family of slain Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
Adopted during plenary session was House Resolution (HR) No. 837.
House Speaker and Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez; Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd district Mannix Dalipe, Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Marcelino Libanan, Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos, Committee on Accounts Chairperson Tingog Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez, and Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Jude Acidre.
HR No.837 was adopted in consolidation with HR No. 815 filed by Parañaque City 1st district Rep. Edwin Olivares.
HR No.837 paid tribute to Degamo, who was shot to death by gunmen on Saturday morning, March 4. The assassination took place outside the official's home in Pamplona, Negros Oriental.
“A decent man of action, Governor Roel Degamo was one of the rarest breeds in politics who accomplished almost all of his campaign promises and whose tireless efforts to extend the best quality of service to improve the lives of his people is beyond compare,” the resolution read.
“The untimely demise of Governor Roel R. Degamo leaves a significant loss and sorrow in the hearts of his family and friends, and he will always be remembered as a hardworking and dedicated public servant whose life was devoted to the betterment of the people of Negros Oriental,” it added.
It continued: "Before entering politics, Governor Degamo worked as a mechanic and driver, and as a senior plant mechanic and electrical control operator at the National Power Corporation in the Province of Palawan."
The resolution said Degamo was "destined to serve his fellow Negrenses".
“After devoting twenty-five years in public service, a decade of which as Chief Executive of the Province of Negros Oriental, Governor Roel Degamo made notable contributions and accomplishments through his various programs and projects implemented on health, education, infrastructure, environment and peace and order,” the resolution stated.
“Governor Degamo also championed for clean energy, commitment to renewable energy sources and strong opposition to coal-fired power plants…strengthened the framework for peace and development, which includes implementing programs and projects that cater to the needs of the people in the conflict-affected areas,” HB No.837 further noted.
“As testaments of his successful efforts to bring government service to the people and transparency in various government transactions, the Province of Negros Oriental under the leadership of Governor Roel Degamo received multiple recognitions, commendations and awards," it said.
Degamo is survived by his spouse, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo; and his son Carlo Degamo, a board member of Negros Oriental.