The name ‘Negrosanon State’ recommended

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. and Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo met over the weekend at the Negros Oriental Provincial Capitol in Dumaguete City to discuss the creation of the Negros Island federal state.

According to Marañon, the creation of a federal state would be “viable and advantageous” for both sides of Negros, citing the 2015 Commission on Audit (COA) Financial Report that found both provinces among the richest in the country.

He also called the island the “center of renewable energy” and believes, in five years, Negros can power “the whole Visayas.”

For Degamo, while expressing support for Negros as a federal state, noted, “Under the new federal form of government, provinces should be retained.”

Also present at the meeting was Arthur Aguilar, a member of the Consultative Committee, which is tasked with reviewing the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

He recommended Negros as a federal state, pointing out, the Asian Development Bank and World Bank found it a practical move, considering the two provinces share one ecosystem and peace and order situation.

Aguilar also suggested the name “Negrosanon State,” in order to avoid negative connotation with the original “Negros” name. Both governors approved the proposal.

The Consultative Committee is scheduled to present their recommendations and proposals to President Rodrigo Duterte by June./WDJ