LAST July 11 to 14, 2005, local officials of Bacolor
headed by Mayor
Buddy Dungca, Vice Mayor Diman Datu, Municipal
Councilors Pogi
Caballa, Ogie Dizon, Noel Serrano, Amable Bengco,
Boy Alfonso, Joy Rivera, Bong Matic, SK president
Jaycel C. Galura, ABC president Ric Galban, DILG
officers Jackie Pelayo and Rose Camaya, together
with this columnist-Municipal Council Secretary
visited Cebu on a LAKBAY ARAL.
It was no junket but basically a learning
experience. The resilience and political maturity of the Cebuanos is something
we in Pampanga
can learn a lot from. It has all the basic elements
of a progressive
and nearly self-reliant province. It is not
surprising why Cebu was
given the moniker Queen City of the South. With its
facilities and
disciplined people, I am not surprised why it is the
favorite haven
for seminars and conventions. Cebu may not have the
cozy climate of
Baguio, but the totality of its attractions make it
a favorite
tourist destination.
In our four (4) day tour in the different places in
Cebu, I did not lose sight of the fact that I am a
journalist with special interest in observing and
writing about the political situation obtaining in
the province. It is a complete contrast to Metro
Manila. I have seen with my own eyes that GMA is
well received and respected in Cebu. The situation
presents a sharp contrast to the shouting and
anarchy in Metro Manila. The million majority of the
Cebuanos gave GMA in the last election is no
fluke but real. There was no massive cheating in
Cebu. If the province of Cebu was a microcosm of the
whole country, there would be no doubt about the
victory and legitimacy of GMA as president of the
Filipino people.
Self-proclaimed messiahs of the opposition would be
ashamed to call
for the President's resignation if they feel the
situation in Cebu.
These lackeys of the opposition and those who have
made protesting in the streets as their cottage
industry would be taken aback by the
fact that they are stopped from shouting for the
President's
resignation. The Cebuanos, just like the
Kapampangans, gave the
President a resounding mandate. So resounding is her
mandate in Cebu and Pampanga that those who are
against the President have absolutely no legal and
moral right to impugn the exercise of our
sovereignty. No one, not even from President Cory
nor Senate President Drilon can impugn and trample
our sovereignty.
Cebu is the picture of a house in order. It is a
place where the
people are pro-active. The policy of its leadership
is well received and respected by the people. If you are a tourist
you can board a taxi and be not afraid that the taxi driver will
abuse you. Name your destination and he will deliver you safely, promptly
and unharmed.
You can walk the city streets and be comfortable
that nobody will slash your pocket.
There are political dynasties headed by the Osmeñas,
Garcias, Ramas, Duranos, Cuencos, etc. These
politically powerful families also wield a big
influence on the business climate. Their political
families and their wealth bear a lot on the
political and economic profile of the province and
city. Yes, they have their vested interests to
protect, but when the greater interest of their
province and nation is at
stake, they set aside these petty differences and
act as one. This is
the famous solidarity of the Cebuanos. Time and
again, they have been put to a test that their unity
made them overcome.
No offense meant to the people of Metro Manila, but
I think the Cebuanos show more political maturity. They are not
easily carried away by passions and instigation. They are capable
of discernment. I
am not surprised if the ugly face of poverty is not
as prevalent in Cebu as in Metro Manila. The Cebuano blood that
binds the people makes them easily manageable. The center of
leadership wields a strong influence in the lives of the people. I find
no obstructionism and rebellion in the fabric of their character.
The anarchy spreading in Metro Manila puts the
metropolis in self- destruction. Its social, economic and political
problems keep compounding with each passing day. The political
leadership is only human. It tends to be sympathetic to those showing
harmony and cooperation to its policies and leadership. The
political leaders of Cebu are only too good in this department, reading
the temperament of the times.
It was our first Lakbay Aral in four years under
Mayor Buddy Dungca.
We may not have seen everything in Cebu but it has
given us the
bird's view on how to manage our internal affairs
and how we can
support the National Government in good or in bad
times.
In a brief discourse before Provincial Secretary
Annie Pasaylo, my friend, I said "We in Pampanga have come to Cebu to
observe how things are in the presidential province."
[By Art R. San Pedro]
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