Business Log
Exciting scenes behind Pantal bridge groundbreaking
By Eva C. Visperas
We’ve seen it with our own two eyes. We were there, together with hundreds of others unmindful of the scorching heat of the sun.
Covering the President no longer excites us actually. But last Wednesday’s event made me somewhat eager to see what would unfold.
Many thought Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin Lim might not show up for the groundbreaking rites of the P903 million Pantal Bridge, but the mayor proved them wrong. He set aside whatever rancor he has in his heart against the President and against House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.
You see, the mayor has turned critical of these two top leaders of the country. He is even rumored to have decided to challenge JDV’s seat in the 2007 elections. I’ve heard the mayor many times utter sarcastic statements against JDV in his media interviews and live radio broadcasts.
But JDV has always maintained his cool. When pressed by reporters to react to Lim’s tirades, he would say he prefers to talk about more productive things. But on one occasion, he advised Lim to stop acting like a spoiled brat.
So when the President came for that historic groundbreaking ceremony, everybody was surprised and happy to see our officials setting aside their personal and political differences.
No more hurting words just plain praises for the jobs to be accomplished and for a dream fulfilled. BSL even lauded GMA and JDV for making the dream of building Pantal Bridge a reality.
That’s what the country needs anyway. Stop political bickering and work.
There is right time for everything.
Of course, many doubted if the Pantal Bridge would materialize. They said it’s just another bola. Now, JDV proved them wrong. Yes, he promises but credit must also go to him because he delivers. Just be patient.
One barangay captain seated beside me had predicted that BSL would snub the affair. But he was wrong.
Another stood up so he could have a better view when BSL and JDV shook hands on stage while photographers focused their cameras on them. Some kept clapping their hands, others were shouting out of sheer joy.
“Tuwa la ya kasi (Is this really true)?” another wondered.
Truth is, to some, seeing the two officials together, acting as statesmen, was more meaningful and exciting than the groundbreaking itself. Can’t blame them really because for a year now, BSL has consistently made a no-show in public gatherings where JDV would be present.
Oh, by the way, Lim joined the President’s entourage when they, together with some Pangasinan, Public Works and Japanese officials had lunch at JDV’s Bonuan Binloc residence.
The Pantal Bridge, as Orly Navarro of Super Radyo said, is the bridge towards reconciliation. Possible. I remember during my college years, a saying, that says “People are not happy because they build walls instead of bridges”.
And more miracles will happen once it is finished. Foremost will be economic transformation.
(You can also read this writer’s other stories at http://businessblog.prepys.com.)
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