By Leonardo Micua

 

AFTER almost two years with the pandemic, the light at the end of the  tunnel that we all dreamt to see might be too near but yet too far for all of us. What of the newly emerged Sub-Delta variant already detected in Russia and Israel that is believed to be 10 percent more transmittable, and of course, deadlier than the mother Delta COVID-19 variant that  originated in India.

While the Philippines and other countries of the world are still feverishly battling the Delta variant, the latter already bore an offspring called the Sub-Delta variant which again staked and brought scare to the world’s population. Fortunately, the Department  of Health said  this new variant of Delta has not reached our shores.

We cannot be sure when this new type of Delta variant will enter the Philippines. We can again ban nationalities of various countries from entering the country but certainly we cannot ban fellow Filipinos working abroad, who are in multitudes, from coming home if they so desire.

We cannot fold our two hands either and just wait and see things to happen without doing something to prevent the entry of this new Delta virus. There must be more rigid screening at the airports for all in-bound passengers to make sure that they are not carriers of the new Delta variant, that when undetected will again spread like wild fire among our citizens.

While COVID-19 appears to have finally slowed down in Metro Manila and in a number of other places, including Pangasinan and Dagupan City, giving us a signal that it is time to resuscitate an almost ailing economy, this sub-Delta variant now appears ready to hit our spines to give us another pain the neck.

God save the Philippines!

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In a  civilized society and in this time of the pandemic, it is not a surprise at all if there is still a room for “kotong”. I believe that when the strong bares his muscles and his power drawn from his master and bully the weak who are incapable of fighting for their rights, this detestable act of “kotong” or illegal protection racket will take place anytime.

I heard that the weak—many of them— just band together out of necessity to be as strong as a broom to sweep the lawn. At least, they are strong enough to bare their pangs, to expose their abusers.

I cannot believe that the noise they have created so far for more than two months now has not yet reached the ears of the master who appears to be sleeping on his job for too long or is just pretending to be deaf and blind to the explosive situation right in his turf. 

It’s almost certain that “Kotong” will be raised as an issue in the coming election because it is a valid issue. 

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There is a new party-list Abante Pangasinan, Ilokano (or API) founded by former Governor and former Congressman Amado Espino Jr. and also its number one nominee. Certainly, API can steal the thunder from the home-grown party-list Abono.

API’s main objective and mission is to promote the interest and welfare of all Pangasinan and Ilocano people whether in Pangasinan, Ilocandia, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, in many parts of Central Luzon, particularly Zambales and Nueva Ecija, Metro Manila, and in Mindanao, Visayas and overseas.

The Pangasinan and Ilocano people are by nature itinerant. They travel from one place to another in search of greener pastures. That’s why before World War II, many were already working in the sugar cane and pineapple plantations in Hawaii and in salmon canneries in Alaska.

Also among the first immigrants to Mindanao and recipients of homestead were Pangasinan and Ilocanos, some of whom inter-married with the people there and who are still proud of their culture and traditions back home. These people and many others will echo the voice of API where ever they are as true blue Pangasinenses and Ilocanos.

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