Hundreds of well-wishers came as early as 4:00 o’clock dawn to greet him last Friday, April 29, 2011 as he celebrates his 45th natal day in an old government-owned cottage which he uses as his official residence in Dumaguete City.
With a wide smile on his still boyish face, Governor Roel Ragay Degamo responded happily to his well wishers especially when a group serenaded him with original compositions centered on his family name—DEGAMO—which has become the anchor of the tag line of his administration—Sa Probinsya-MagDEGAMO Ta!
Governor Degamo’s long list of well wishers during his first birthday as Governor of Negros Oriental included his official family from the Provincial Government, his former colleagues in the Philippine Councilors League, where he became not only the Provincial Federation Chair but also as the Regional Chair, his friends and colleagues from the Sanguniang Panlalawigan, his colleagues in government service and, of course, his family members and other relatives and friends from the private sector.
Known for his humility, the Governor said he was so touched by the warm greetings of the people who joined in the celebration and described it as one of his most memorable birthday celebrations.
He said that it was a special birthday celebration because almost four months ahead of his 45th birthday celebration, he was already gifted with a special blessing from God by placing him at the helm of the provincial leadership– a precious blessing which he said he did not expect to come especially at the very early stage of his political career.
On his birthday, the Governor expressed that his guiding principles in running the affairs of the Provincial Government are always God-centered and that he always wishes for God to continue to shower him with wisdom and strength so he would be able to govern the provincial government well.
He also reiterated that his ascension to the Office of the Governor is a gift from God so that with God’s words and wisdom, he assured the people of the Province that he will do what is right and what is good for the people.
Blessings shared
His 45th birthday celebration did not just end with a simple celebration but it was spiced up with a few community services by sharing some of his blessings to selected beneficiaries.
Governor Degamo, from his own pocket, ordered hundreds of packed food which were distributed to the inmates of the provincial jail and to the patients of the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital.
Governor Degamo said it is always good to share whatever blessings one has especially if it comes as a windfall.
“These blessings could not be quantified by any amount of money and it is therefore good that I also share them,” the governor said.