Playing with Fire
Rotary and the difficult times
By Gonzalo Duque
SORRY, mama Libring Reyna and our friend, Cesar Reyna! Bon voyage to you both on your trip to God’s Kingdom.
We were meaning to attend the interment last Thursday. But we have been slated to be with the students of LNU in which no less than Bishop Socrates Villegas was guest of honor and officiating officer at the Central School convocation.
It might interest you to know that the young people today are very co0nversqant withy controversial public issues. Mons. Villegas like us must have been surprised at the students’ articulateness on such issues as the PCSO donations of SUV vehicles to the Catholic bishops, the RH bill and the divorce bill.
Agmo la ra nailakoy ogogaw natan, Manny Baby!
For his part, Bishop Soc was also game. Enjoy ang mga estudyante at his humor, geniality and easy-does-it style.
In that dialogue, what emerged like a sore thumb was PCSPO chair Margarita Juico’s non-remorseful attitude when it was shown beyond doubt that she was the source of the rumor that the bishops were given Pajeros. All our major Manila media outlets published this.
Ni ayaw magsorry ang chairlady. But we learned from Bishop Soc that she has been forgiven by the bishops. Ay, ano ba yan, Margie?
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We should congratulate four Rotary clubs – Uptown Dagupan headed by Judge Laarni Parayno, Dagupan East headed by Nancy Tandoc, Downtown Dagupan headed by Nestor Zabala and Metro Dagupan headed by Lorica Conde – for deciding to have joint oath-taking of officers last Thursday at the LNY Gym with Bishop Soc as principal guest of honor.
You know, one of the criticisms against Rotary is that many of its local chapters are elitist and show-offs. This display of opulence. Wealth and pecuniary arrogance over the thousands who are poor is making a mockery of our social conscience and democratization of wealth.
Our incoming president, Judge Laarni Parayno of Uptown Dagupan correctly observed that the joint effort was meant to save money which is a must in this day of great need and difficulties. There should be more emphasis on community service, she said, a policy which we have always adhered to.
Let’s have more of this type of Rotary activity with less bongga-cious programs and projects.
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At the Pangasinan Press Club’s Media in Action weekly forum, PhilHealth-accredited hospitals in Dagupan and elsewhere were asked to post their rules in big, bold letters for the proper guidance of patients who avail themselves of the proverbial hospitalization and medical care benefits.
The suggestion was meant to prevent PhilHealth cardholders from abusing their insurance privileges. There are those – including some personal friends – who have several PhilHealth sponsors which all of us know defeat the purpose of this vital health program.
At this juncture, we wish to thank Abono chair Rosendo So for donating P20,000 for the PPC members health insurance. We intend to beef up the health fund for the members when we get more kind-hearted sponsors like Sendong.
Mabuhay ka, Ka Sendong and your ilk.
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Someone correctly observed that our continued overseas employment obsession shows only too well that we are still colonial minded.
Tapos ang yayabang nating mag-denounced ng imperialism! Nakatali pala ang ating bituka sa mga dayuhan!
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