By Gonzalo Duque 

 

AS we celebrated the founding anniversary of Pangasinan on April 5. Ging Cardinoza, a member of the ad hoc committee tasked to conduct a research on the day, month and year when Pangasinan was founded, said it was Governor Amado Espino Jr., father of incumbent Governor Pogi Espino, who had wanted to establish the history of Pangasinan. True.

It was a difficult task. I know because I chaired that committee. We had lots of debates and arguments about assumptions other than April 5, 1580.

Among these were: 1) It should be when the Americans came and built the provincial capitol, replacing the old Casa Real as the seat of the provincial government established by the Spaniards. 2) It should be when China had a flourishing trade with Pangasinan when Chinese merchants landed at the port of Bolinao (from the late Board Member Alfonso Bince Jr.).

In fact, some historians indicated that our province was first named by the Chinese as Fang Chian Sinan  (sounds like the Pangasinan?) After a year of discussion, we decided that our founding day was on April 5, 1580, when Pangasinan became encomienda of Spain.

But I suggested a colatilla in the ordinance that in the event that a more proximate date backed by ancient documents from the archives is established, the ordinance can still be modified.

So finally, when the founding of Pangasinan after 430 years was celebrated at the Sison Auditorium and inaugurated by former President Fidel Ramos, note that, we can see 1580 in the official seal.

From that provincial ordinance, other commemorative events were held, i.e., ASNA awards and the publication of the book ‘Pinablin Pangasinan’. and officials thought of giving anniversary bonus to provincial government workers.

I had proposed to DepEd that Pangasinan’s history and culture be included either in grade school and high school so future generations will know their history and culture. Scholars say that those who do not know and understand their culture are lost people.

During the administration of then Dagupan Mayor Belen Fernandez, we convinced DepEd to include the history and culture of Dagupan City as a subject so they will be proud of their roots.

I have yet to check with Malou Elduayan, provincial tourism and cultural affairs officer, whatever happened to our proposal to DepEd for the integration of Pangasinan’s history into the school curriculum.

So, this is one rare privilege that the Pangasinan Day celebration had helped bring about. And we’re proud that we did it!

*          *          *          *

President Duterte has not endorsed anybody among the presidential candidates. Wala ‘atang believe kay Marcos! So, being an ally of the President, I am free to choose whoever I would like to vote for in the May 9 elections, and, I will keep my cards close to my chest till I go to the polls. 

Speaking of debates, none of the presidential bets today can beat Duterte. I recall in that last debate staged by the Comelec in Dagupan City, he captivated even the erudite Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. And Miriam could not say anything. 

When it was Digong’s turn to interpellate Miriam, he merely asked: “How are you, Ma’am?  And that was all. He showed how he respected her, whose persona and qualifications towered above all of them. That brought the house down.

Well, compared to the past presidential debates won handily by Duterte, the current presidential debates today are boring!

*          *          *          *

Lately, we can see the campaign of Leni Robredo continuously gaining traction. Could it be because BBM refused to engage the other candidates in the debates for fear of many issues that will be thrown at him? Well, this is Robredo’s gain.

Maybe BBM’s handlers did not like him to attend the debates as he might falter again like he did in 2016. Better for him to be absent than to falter again since he’s leading in surveys. His camp is even more careful in exposing him to public eye because of the many allegations brought against him and his family.

In Ping Lacson’s case, I suggest he withdraws from the race and he should get the DILG post under any administration if he wants to really reform our system. He will be successful as the country’s graft buster. With him at the helm of DILG, I am sure everybody will behave. This is my unsolicited suggestion.

Many may not know it but much of the graft and corruption are in local governments. The process starts when corrupt congressmen make additional insertions during budget hearings.

Yong ibang Tongressmen ang nakipag-contrata na sa contractors. And implementors ay local government units. Doon na nagkakaroon ng hocus-pocus. 

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments