Think about it
God smiles at Pangasinan
By Jun Velasco
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me,” Matthew 25:40
OUR 2-hour forum on the life and relevance of our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal at Kabaleyan Channel on December 30 has, to us, Pangasinenses, uncorked new questions:
Why is it only now, 117 years after his martyrdom that we were told that Rizal has solid Pangasinan blood and frequented Lingayen and Dagupan during his robust years? Read more about this in the news page.
The panel formed by the Pangasinan Historical and Cultural Commission (PHCC) included Sonny Villafania, Arabela V. Arcinue, Virgie Pasalo, Armi Bangsal, Melchor Orpilla, and this columnist; while those who recited Rizal’s My Last Farewell in Tagalog (Johnny Moulic), Pangasinan (Sonny Villafania) and Ilokano (Melchor Orpilla).
Fr. Weng Escano, who was scheduled to recite in Spanish did not make it.
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One proof of authentic public service—straight from Congressman Pol Bataoil’s PDAF allotment—was the switching of electric power for Sitio Mapita in Barangay Laoac in Aguilar town by Cenpelco recently.
Being Mapita’s first taste of electric power since Adam and Eve, you can imagine the “paradise” feeling of Sitio Mapita’s 800 inhabitants — a meaningful Christmas gift for the Aguilar folk.
While other politicians would look for “impact” projects (those that attract public attention), the Bataoil project broke the “lethargy of a thousand years.” Yan ang tunay na impact project huh, Pol?
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Nothing touches us more these days—and it came a few days before Christmas Day (Dec.16-20)—than a 120-man Pangasinan employee/volunteers contingent right at the center of disaster to do a love mission for brothers and sisters distressed by Super typhoon Yolanda.
If you ask us, that humanitarian effort was the best ever PR coup unleashed by the provincial government from the creative mind of Governor Spines.
When tragedy strikes, we all become brothers and sisters. All differences, partisanships, boundaries are set aside. We have only love, care, solidarity, and oneness.
Before the Pangasinan contingent went to Leyte, two newsmen, Abe Belena and Orly Guirao, braved the elements aboard Orly’s battle-tested car.
It was a Pangasinan journalist’s scoop, a break of a lifetime, to see first-hand the graphic evidence of disaster. Actually, Abe and Orly were acting on instinct; to rescue Abe’s two grandsons, ages 10 and 8, who were trapped in the rubble; “it’s like a World War II-devastated place,” says Orly although he was born two years after the war.
But the Pangasinan humanitarian mission was purely other-centered; it’s love and brotherly succor at its best. Say anything against the governor (ambitious who wants to finish off Joe de Venecia in his own district after ditching Victor Agbayani, rough language user, etc…), but this humanitarian coup topples them all.
“It was a life-changing experience,” says mission leader Board Member Clemente Arboleda, adding, “I am not a prayerful person, but with what I saw and felt, I have learned how to pray.” A PIO press release says Vice Gov. Ferdie Calimlim and Arboleda count some 1,400 families or 7,000 individuals received relief goods or gift packs thru the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.
Relief packs given to 10 barangays of Dulag town included food items, blankets, slippers, 2,000 toys for children. Medical and dental services from doctors and nurses of the PHO served 1,300 residents.
Salute the leaders that “invaded” Leyte — Board Members Raul Sison, Liberato Villegas and Generoso Tulagan; Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management OIC Chief Fernando de Guzman, Ret. Col. Mariano “Sonny” Verzosa and Col. Manny Velasco; Provincial Health Office Chief Ana Maria Teresa de Guzman, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Chief Emilio Samson and Provincial Information Office Chief Orpheus Velasco.
With Vocal Arboleda, they made a Ten!
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NOTES: Many reunions’ and homecomings’ non-stop excitement last December simply authenticated our fetish for indulging in past remembrances.
They ended as soon as they began.
The memories would only have meaning if they could bring about a better society of caring people and assured of enough income, comfort and harmony for the rest of their lives on earth.
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