Expression of gratitude

By Eva C. Visperas

Middle last week, a neighbor who sidelines as jueteng cobrador, bought a bottle of beer at the neighborhood store. We saw and greeted each other. He wondered why my name is often mentioned in the radio over the week. I asked him what about? He said it’s about the Alaminos incident.

He narrated to me what he heard. I smiled and said thank you for his concern.

Many friends in the media texted me to listen to this and that radio station over the week. Of course, I could not simultaneously listen to them. Some I heard, others I missed.

Others I met at the mall had the same reaction. They were one in saying we were treated unjustly. Many thanks for your usual support.

One thing is certain here. They commiserate with me and our fellow newsmen Ding Micua of Philippine News Agency, Yolly Fuertes of Inquirer and Orland de Vera of  USATV1 for the uncalled for treatment we suffered in the hands of  Alaminos City Administrator Wilmer Panabang. Kindly refer to our previous column for more details, in case you missed it.

Our colleagues joined us in our wake up call to the officials of Alaminos. Indeed, while Mayor Nani has the vision to make his city, home of the world-famous Hundred Islands National Park, achieve greater glory, some of his staff obviously are not going in the same direction.

Just a brief background, we went there last May 9 for an interview appointment with Mayor Nani Braganza. The mayor had expected us lunchtime (and prepared lunch that got spoiled per his text message). Since he was not around in the city hall at the time we arrived, we opted to see Panabang, whom we heard is usually matabang (indifferent) to people.

Applying a little psychology to understand Panabang’s ill manners, perhaps Panabang hasn’t gotten over yet his military training, having been a retired colonel who sought for a mayoralty position after retirement but lost in Abra.

Here are more reactions. Punch Online avid reader Eduardo Pontaoe (datdosapang@yahoo.com) writes: “The crux of the problem here, which I would like to ask Mayor Braganza, is, why hire a person like Panabang to be the city administrator when he doesn’t have the right attitude and capability to act as one? What you have seen was the impudence and complete disregard of decorum which this former soldier thought he can wield with and not answerable to nobody. People of this training, those military inculcations, these practitioners of horse blinders are not supposed to be in a position where common sense and outward approach to the people is the norm. And to you, Mayor Braganza, are there not enough capable people of Alaminos to be your administrator who understand the words public service?

Brando Garcia (Higarci2a11@yahoo.com) wrote to say that he received a very warm welcome by the good people there when he went to Alaminos City. He praised the friendly people and lauded Mayor Braganza for being “terrific” in running the city. “Unfortunately, the mayor’s name is being tainted by some of his staff. Same people he trusted to run the city. This is giving the mayor a bad image,” Garcia added.

Of course, as I have repeatedly said, I salute Mayor Nani. I have observed how he works, the kind of programs he is implementing to make Alaminos soar to greater heights.

Perhaps, he should consider giving his boys a seminar on the basics on good public service.  More of his staff might be spoiling his efforts as well.

(You can also read this writer’s other stories at http://businessblog.prepys.com.)

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