STAKEHOLDERS FROM the two Negros provinces, along with the neighboring island province of Siquijor, have expressed their intent to lobby for a separate region when the country shifts to a federal system of government. With some 8,000 representatives from Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Siquijor joining the first leg of the Federalism road show in Dumaguete City on Monday, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said they made clear their position that they want a Negros Island federated region. “Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe (Antonio B.) Remollo says that their experience under the short lived Negros Island Region has shown that there is merit to their proposal and that they will be lobbying strongly for their own federated region with policy makers,” the DILG said in a statement on Tuesday. DILG Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Jonathan E. Malaya said the first stop of the federalism road show was a success given the positive sentiments of various stakeholders toward the federalism shift. The second road show is scheduled on June 26 in Baguio City. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

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