The continued challenge

By Bebot Villar

 

EVERYDAY, arrests of drug pushers in the past weeks in different places sa Pangasinan fill the blotters of our police stations.  Sana ganito na parati every week.

This is an indication that drug pushing is still rampant despite the intensified campaign and efforts of our authorities. Nagkalat talaga ang illegal drugs! While this scenario already appears ordinary, it is alarming knowing we are dealing with demons! Walang kuwenta sa kanila masira man ang kinabukasan ng mga kabataang na-e-engganyo nilang gumamit ng droga! Ang mahalaga sa kanila ay makabenta ng milyon araw-araw.

On the other hand, the police blotters also demonstrate ang resulta ng determination ng government to wipe out the drug menace. While many lives have been lost particularly from the ranks of our law enforcers, we are consoled knowing na marami din na illegal drug traders ang nahuhuli at nakukulong. Sabi nga, bawi-bawi na rin kahit paano.

Pero sa kabila ng sunod-sunod na pagbagsak ng mga galamay ng mga drug lords, they continue to challenge the capabilities of our law enforcers. Wala silang kadaladala dahil dumadami din ang mga victims nila. Kaya sa labanan na ito, matira ang matibay; ang unang kumurap –  talo!

Realistically, I know that it will take time before we finally beat the illegal drug problem because there are influential people, including government officials who are suspected to be protecting the illegal drug trade.

Kaya ang panawagan natin sa mga magulang, mga magkakapatid ay walang patid. We need parents to keep a close watch over all members of their families. With their help and the dedication ng our law enforcers, mananaig tayo pa rin sa laban na ito.

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Few weeks ago, we were all shocked by the irresponsible reporting of a TV station of a flesh-eating bacteria na kumakalat kuno sa probinsya. It’s a good thing nalinawagan kaagad at nag-apologize ang TV network.

Then, last week, nag-warning ang Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).  Sinabi na tinamaan na ng red tide ang mga baybaying dagat ng mga bayan ng Anda at Bolinao. Kasunod nito ang pag-confiscate sa Dagupan City ng 55 sako ng tahong na galing sa Anda hours before the warning was released.

Two different stories but with the same effect:  affected ang image ng Pangasinan.

Buti na lang, the tourists started coming back but not until after napakaraming explanation. Kaya lang, the news about the red tide disappointed many visitors since many domestic tourists come to our province not only for our beaches but also to eat our famous “bangus” and seafood.

Mahirap ipaliwanag kasi na ang red tide does not affect our fishes, only seashells, and in identified limited areas.

Very untimely ang mga nagaganap sa ating lalawigan ngayon since we are preparing for the most-awaited big events next month kagaya ng Pangasinan Day, Bangus Festival sand Pista’y Dayat in Dagupan, the 4^th centennial foundation celebration ng Bayambang kasama ang attempt for a Guinness World Record para sa Longest Barbecue. All these are certified crowd-drawers!

Let us all help to maintain our gains and momentum in promoting our province, our people and our culture. Para sa atin ito!

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