BY TOOTS JIMENEZ JR.
IT WAS in 2014 when I was designated as official organizer of the rides of big bike motor enthusiasts in the Visayas.
When given advice that the next “unity ride” was set in July of that year – and every year thereafter – to be held in Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental, I took a drive to that nearby province. That was May 2014.
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My mission was to do a courtesy call to the City Mayor of Dumaguete and its City Tourism Officer, then to the Provincial Tourism Officer, and finally to the Provincial Governor of Negros Oriental.
I didn’t know who Gov. Roel Ragay Degamo was. I asked politely his office secretary that I be given the honor to meet and know him. The secretary listed me right away and less than an hour, I met this tall guy in light jeans and round neck T-shirt.
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Governor Degamo asked me to sit down and even apologized that he was in his “regular” attire; he said he wanted to be seen just like his constituents.
I was pleasantly surprised. He was humble. After presenting the purpose of my visit – that around 200 big bikers from all over the Visayas will ride and tour Negros Oriental – he smiled and stamped his approval of welcome. He then told me he was also a big biker and that anyone was welcome to tour his province.
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As it happened in July of that year, he hosted the welcome dinner at the provincial capitol grounds and joined his fellow big bikers. When he was about to be served by the waiter, he insisted he would queue and wait for his turn just like the rest. He even asked me to fall in line ahead of him.
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During the big bikers ride to Amlan town, he asked me if he could lead the big bikers. Of course, I nodded and smiled. There in Amlan, he made sure that all the visitors were treated to a merienda by the town mayor.
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On the second year that I visited him for another big bikers ride, he right away gave his approval.
He also said that should I ask for assistance, it was as good as approved also.
He said the projects I was doing for his province was good for sports tourism and that he was very supportive.
I was teary-eyed. He shook my hands and wished the event good luck.
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This man was a simple and very dedicated public servant. I’ve met him on several occasions.
I also recall meeting his wife, Janice. After we talked, she asked her driver to bring me to the city center. She was simple and humble as well.
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I recall that during our first ride, I gifted the governor with a sporty eyewear and joked that he must wear it during the ride or we won’t be back for another ride. He laughed loudly and said he would wear it.
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When I knew of his brutal killing, I was shocked.
And I recalled a prophecy of someone that a high government official in Negros Oriental would be saying goodbye.
Yes, goodbye Governor RRD. The nation and the world will remember always what you have done for your people. Rest in God’s hands and paradise./PN
