TO RUN OR NOT TO RUN….

Date Line: 2010 Barangay Election….

For more than 50 years Culi Culi, nurtured my youth, guide my teen-years, sheltered my adulthood, and now cares my twilight years.

For more than 50 years, she has done those things to me without asking anything in return. From my innocence youth I saw her glory and beauty. A lay-back community where we were afraid to stay late at night because of the “Kapre” and the “Asuwang” not because of the hold-uppers, motorcycle riding snatchers and drug addicts.

With ankle-deep flood water that would last for only 30 minutes at the most!

In the name of progress, my Culi Culi, now known as Pio Del Pilar, is now a vibrant and modern community. Unfortunately, progress always has its own share of setback. The progress of Pio del Pilar has a most dreadful setback, FLOOD!  

Poor Pio del Pilar, in her effort to care for my twilight years, she silently endures the horrifying pain of being submerged into a thigh-deep and in some areas chest-deep filthy flood water.

Ahhhh, I will make it my advocacy to make you once again a FLOOD FREE COMMUNITY.

And since the early ‘90s I started my crusade of making Pio a FLOOD FREE COMMUNITY. Once, I called a tv open forum program and asked then Mayor Binay when will he initiate a flood control program for Pio?. Several days later my friend, the late Fred Garcia, informed me that the Mayor had asked him on what side of the fence do I belong. I thank Fred for informing the Mayor, that I belong to “the group.”

In one community meeting, I again asked our Mayor and Kap. Tony, when will they initiate the construction of a flood control infrastructure for Gitna and Dulo.

During his first campaign appearance, I asked Rico J. Puno the same question, and he promised the flood at Pio will be a thing of the past, because of this promise, he became the number 1 councilor of District 1 that election.

And three terms later, I still asked the same question whenever opportunity arises.

Before the last May election, I again asked the same question in one of our “ugnayan.” When I stood up to ask the question, I hear murmurs of “here comes Mr. Baha, again.” Pity, the Chairperson retorted, “I was born and grew up with the flood.” Then Vice Mayor Mercado, stopped me short.

I pity her….

For more than 50 years, she cared for me!

All the things I have done seemed futile and hopeless.

Then I recalled the homily of Fr. Charles of Don Bosco where he said; “There is no such thing as hopeless situation, only hopeless people because of the situation.”

This makes me think. 

How can I help ease her pain? How can I prevent the filthy water of flood devastates her realm? Do I need to lead her organization’s hierarchy, to help her regain her former grandeur of FLOOD FREE COMMUNITY…?

If I vie for the top position of her organization, will the present community of diverse people, and the younger generation believe in the sincerity of my intention?

The question now is whether TO RUN OR NOT TO RUN?

I look up at where HE is with pleading eyes. And at the back of my mind, a voice whispered softly…“you don’t need to enter politics to show you care.”

 Aaaaah, now is the time to show her my gratitude. I would take it upon myself to help ease her pain in a different way.

I started last year by asking Kgwd Duallo who was in charge of the public works committee of our barangay. I told him I volunteer my services. Unfortunately up until now I have not received any feedback.

Thanks to the technology of the World Wide Web, the highway of cyber space communication, I can now reach every corner of the world to share my thoughts and signify my intentions.

Now I can say to her and to the whole world;  

Pio, I would make everything I could to help ease your pain as my gratitude for nurturing my youth, guiding my teen-years, sheltering my adulthood, and now caring my twilight years.

And miles to go before I sleep…..

I give you my knowledge in Civil Engineering, my Master's Degree in organizing, business and operations management and my more than 30 years experience in the Development and Project Management industry. I give it all to you.

I DON’T NEED TO BE YOUR BARANGAY CHAIRMAN…..

 

PIO......I OFFER IT ALL TO YOU, MY DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY, FOR FREE……

 

 This is my own little way of paying back the gratitude I owe you.

==================================

CULI CULI: 21ST CENTURY AND BEYOND

Dateline: 15 October 2010

How time flies…

My Culi Culi of the olden days is now known as PIO DEL PILAR. A progressive and vibrant community populated by diverse people of ethnic origin.

The gravel road where we used to play “patintero” and softball are now concrete roads and the open canals where we get water to make the gridlines of “patintero” are now RC drainage culverts covered by concrete sidewalks.

The rice paddies along the west side of Amorsolo Creek are now replaced by commercial establishments with a beautiful name the Mile Long. Sadly though, now, we cannot take short dips and dives in Amorsolo Creek.

Quel Marcelino is gone, I think Ms. Binay too [I wonder if she got married]. The Cruzes, Climacos, Samontes, Zapantas, De Leons and Callejas of my generation are gone either on the “other side” or have migrated to another country.

Gone too, are the wooden skate with wheels of bearings, the epees made of Gumamela twigs, the Gumamela fences are now Concrete Hollow Blocks fences, the nipa huts are now reinforced concrete structures.

Every time I passed the bridge over Tripa de Galina at the corner of M. Reyes Street, I melancholy glimpsed at where Bert's Place used to be and longingly search on the horizon the Talahib dominated scenery of San Isidro. Aaah it seems age has overtaken me because all I see are blurred shadows of concrete structures.    

The Spanish and Italian priests and brothers of Don Bosco are now Filipino, Indian and Papuans Salesian Fathers and brothers.

The 5-meter wide chest deep creek, along Monroe [Medina] Street down to Amorsolo, vegetated with kangkong and teeming with various fishes where we used to catch fishes is now a mere over-sized canal along Medina Street and Estacion Road with goofies and dapia.

The flood we once eagerly await along Javier Street flowing with dalags and hitos is now a terrifying event that flows with floating debris and garbage that everybody hates.

So frustrating, the flood took away memento of my youth, old pictures of happy days gone by. It also took my electronic files, the compilation of my personal, technical and business documents.

Every year after the rainy season, I have to bring my car to the shop for carpet drying because flood always finds its way inside my car. And I have nowhere to park it.

How I hate the flood……!

Well, the only consolation I have now is that I am so proud that the Binay of my “gagamba time” is now the Vice President of our country.

Now in the name of progress, Culi Culi, where are you going……?

This time, allow me to show the sentimental side of me by saying, Culi Culi how I wish to see the time when you, become a:

OUR VISION

Pio Del Pilar a GOD fearing, vibrant community that accepts the challenges of Growth, the melting pot of diverse, peace loving people of ethnic origin living peacefully and in harmony, working together as one in caring and protecting the community, especially its youth.

And the officials who lead you work towards:

OUR MISSION

To deliver basic and innovative services to our residents through the continuous improvement of formulating and implementing moral policies and programs especially focused on health, education, environment, economic growth, and peace and order.



===========================

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF MEDINA CANAL FLOOD CONTROL INFRASTRUCTURE [MCFCI]

Solving the problem of flood of Pio del Pilar….

First Phase:    Ratification of a Barangay Council Resolution endorsing the PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF MEDINA CANAL FLOOD CONTROL INFRASTRUCTURE [MCFCI] PROJECT.

Admittedly, the national government is mandated for the care, development and rehabilitation of the natural waterways.

Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of the local government, specially the barangays to initiate the action in offering solution to its problem.

In the case of our barangay, solution in making Pio a FLOOD FREE COMMUNITY should start from the efforts of its residents and its barangay council. The residents should be responsible in maintaining the cleanliness of their surroundings. The barangay council on its part should ratify and endorse a solution to the problem of flood through a resolution, draft of which is as follows:

BARANGAY RESOLUTION NO. ___

RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXISTING MEDINA CANAL AND PART OF MEDINA AND ESTACION ROADS FROM DELA ROSA STREET DOWN TO SOUTHERN LEG OF AMORSOLO CREEK INTO A FLOOD CONTROL INFRASTRUCTURE [FCI].

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the government to help promote the health, social and economic well-being of its citizens;

WHEREAS, the Sitio of Gitna and Dulo are constantly flooded by the runoff of rain water to the detriment of its residents as the flood adversely affects the health, economic and social well-being of its residents;

WHEREAS, the flood can be controlled and eliminated by the development and construction of the existing Medina canal and part of Medina and Estacion Road from Dela Rosa Street down to the southern leg of Amorsolo Creek into a reinforced concrete box culvert as Flood Control Infrastructure [FCI];

WHEREAS, development and construction of said FCI is the mandate of both the City Government [parts of Medina and Estacion Roads] and the National Government through DPWH and/or MMDA [Medina canal];

WHEREAS, the budget for the development and construction of the said FCI can be sourced from the Community Development Fund [CDF] of Congress with corresponding counterpart from the City Government;

WHEREFORE, premises considered, be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved, TO ENDORSE THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXISTING MEDINA CANAL AND PART OF MEDINA AND ESTACION ROADS FROM DELA ROSA STREET DOWN TO SOUTHERN LEG OF AMORSOLO CREEK INTO A FLOOD CONTROL INFRASTRUCTURE [FCI] to concerned agencies of the government for implementation.

RESOLVED, further, that copies of this Resolution be furnished the Office of the City Mayor, the City Council, the office of the Representative District 1 of Makati, the Department of Public Works and Highways [DPWH], and the Office of the Chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority [MMDA], and other interested parties, for their information, guidance, and action.

======================

Second Phase:  Preparation of Feasibility Study of the PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF MEDINA CANAL FLOOD CONTROL INFRASTRUCTURE [FCI] PROJECT.

Third Phase:   Implementation of the PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF MEDINA CANAL FLOOD CONTROL INFRASTRUCTURE [FCI] PROJECT.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF BARANGAY CHAIRMAN

For the benefit of the community below are sections from the LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991 pertaining to the duties and responsibilities of Barangay Chairman and Kagawad.

CHAPTER 3 - THE Punong Barangay

SECTION. 389. Chief Executive: Powers, Duties, and Functions. –

(a)          The Punong Barangay, as the chief executive of the Barangay government, shall exercise such powers and perform such duties and functions, as provided by this Code and other laws.

(b)          For efficient, effective and economical governance, the purpose of which is the general welfare of the Barangay and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of this Code, the Punong Barangay shall:

1.            Enforce all laws and ordinances which are applicable within the Barangay;

2.            Negotiate, enter into, and sign contracts for and in behalf of the Barangay, upon authorization of the Sangguniang Barangay;

3.            Maintain public order in the Barangay and, in pursuance thereof, assist the city or municipal mayor and the sanggunian members in the performance of their duties and functions;

4.            Call and preside over the sessions of the Sangguniang Barangay and the Barangay assembly, and vote only to break a tie;

5.            Upon approval by a majority of all the members of the Sangguniang Barangay, appoint or replace the Barangay treasurer, the Barangay secretary, and other appointive Barangay officials;

6.            Organize and lead an emergency group whenever the same may be necessary for the maintenance of peace and order or on occasions of emergency or calamity within the Barangay;

7.            In coordination with the Barangay development council, prepare the annual executive and supplemental budgets of the Barangay;

8.            Approve vouchers relating to the disbursement of Barangay funds;

9.            Enforce laws and regulations relating to pollution control and protection of the environment;

10.         Administer the operation of the Katarungang PamBarangay in accordance with the provisions of this Code;

11.         Exercise general supervision over the activities of the Sangguniang Kabataan;

12.         Ensure the delivery of basic services as mandated under Section 17 of this Code;

13.         Conduct an annual palarong Barangay which shall feature traditional sports and disciplines included in national and international games, in coordination with the Department of Education, Culture and Sports;

14.         Promote the general welfare of the Barangay; and

15.         Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

(c)          In the performance of his peace and order functions, the Punong Barangay shall be entitled to possess and carry the necessary firearm within his territorial jurisdiction, subject to appropriate rules and regulations.

CHAPTER 4 - The Sangguniang Barangay 

SECTION. 390. Composition. - The Sangguniang Barangay, the legislative body of the Barangay, shall be composed of the Punong Barangay as presiding officer, and the seven (7) regular Sangguniang Barangay members elected at large and Sangguniang Kabataan chairman, as members.

SECTION. 391. Powers, Duties, and Functions. - (a) The Sangguniang Barangay, as the legislative body of the Barangay, shall:

1.            Enact ordinances as may be necessary to discharge the responsibilities conferred upon it by law or ordinance and to promote the general welfare of the inhabitants therein;

2.            Enact tax and revenue ordinances, subject to the limitations imposed in this Code;

3.            Enact annual and supplemental budgets in accordance with the provisions of this Code;

4.            Provide for the construction and maintenance of Barangay facilities and other public works projects chargeable to the general fund of the Barangay or such other funds actually available for the purpose;

5.            Submit to the Sangguniang Panlungsod or Sangguniang Bayan such suggestions or recommendations as it may see fit for the improvement of the Barangay or for the welfare of the inhabitants thereof;

6.            Assist in the establishment, organization, and promotion of cooperative enterprises that will improve the economic condition and well-being of the residents;

7.            Regulate the use of multi-purpose halls, multi- purpose pavements, grain or copra dryers, patios and other post-harvest facilities, Barangay waterworks, Barangay markets, parking areas or other similar facilities constructed with government funds within the jurisdiction of the Barangay and charge reasonable fees for the use thereof;

8.            Solicit or accept monies, materials and voluntary labor for specific public works and cooperative enterprises of the Barangay from residents, land owners, producers and merchants in the Barangay; monies from grants-in-aid, subsidies, contributions, and revenues made available to the Barangays from national, provincial, city or municipal funds; and monies from other private agencies and individuals: Provided, however, That monies or properties donated by private agencies and individuals for specific purposes shall accrue to the Barangay as trust fund;

9.            Solicit or accept, in any or all the foregoing public works and cooperative enterprises, such cooperation as is made available by national, provincial, city, or municipal agencies established by law to render financial, technical, and advisory assistance to Barangays and to Barangay residents: Provided, however, That in soliciting or accepting such cooperation, the Sangguniang Barangay need not pledge any sum of money for expenditure in excess of amounts currently in the Barangay treasury or encumbered for other purposes;

10.         Provide compensation, reasonable allowances or per diems as well as travel expenses for Sangguniang Barangay members and other Barangay officials, subject to the budgetary limitations prescribed under Title Five, Book II of this Code: Provided, however, That no increase in the compensation or honoraria of the Sangguniang Barangay members shall take effect until after the expiration of the full term of all members of the Sangguniang Barangay approving such increase;

11.         Hold fund-raising activities for Barangay projects without the need of securing permits from any national or local office or agency. The proceeds from such activities shall be tax-exempt and shall accrue to the general fund of the Barangay: Provided, That in the appropriation thereof, the specific purpose for which such fund-raising activity has been held shall be first satisfied: Provided, further, That no fund-raising activities shall be held within a period of sixty(60) days immediately preceding and after a national or local election, recall, referendum, or plebiscite: Provided, finally, That said fund-raising activities shall comply with national policy standards and regulations on morals, health, and safety of the persons participating therein. The Sangguniang Barangay, through the Punong Barangay, shall render a public accounting of the funds raised at the completion of the project for which the fund-raising activity was under- taken;

12.         Authorize the Punong Barangay to enter into contracts in behalf of the Barangay, subject to the provisions of this Code;

(a)          Authorize the Barangay treasurer to make direct purchases in an amount not exceeding One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) at any one time for the ordinary and essential administrative needs of the Barangay;

(b)          Prescribe fines in amounts not exceeding One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) for violation of Barangay ordinances;

(c)          Provide for the administrative needs of the Lupong Tagapamayapa and the pangkat ng tagapagkasundo;

(d)          Provide for the organization of community brigades, Barangay tanod, or community service units as may be necessary;

(e)          Organize regular lectures, programs, or fora on community problems such as sanitation, nutrition, literacy, and drug abuse, and convene assemblies to encourage citizen participation in government;

(f)           Adopt measures to prevent and control the proliferation of squatters and mendicants in the Barangay;

(g)          Provide for the proper development and welfare of children in the Barangay by promoting and supporting activities for the protection and total development of children, particularly those below seven (7) years of age;

(h)          Adopt measures towards the prevention and eradication of drug abuse, child abuse, and juvenile delinquency;

(i)            Initiate the establishment of a Barangay high school, whenever feasible, in accordance with law;

(j)            Provide for the establishment of a non-formal education center in the Barangay whenever feasible, in coordination with the Department of Education, Culture and Sports,;

(k)          Provide for the delivery of basic services; and

(l)            Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

SECTION. 392. Other Duties of Sangguniang Barangay Members. - In addition to their duties as members of the Sangguniang Barangay, Sangguniang Barangay members may:

(a)          Assist the Punong Barangay in the discharge of his duties and functions;

(b)          Act as peace officers in the maintenance of public order and safety; and

(c)          Perform such other duties and functions as the Punong Barangay may delegate.

CULI CULI: Circa ‘60

Journey down the memory lane….

Just came from visiting my grandfather living with my T’yong Enong [San Miguel] from the corner of Apolinario and Arguilles streets. On my way home to J. Victor, I happily skipped the tiers of the railroad track, then makes a short cut by crossing the downstream part of the Medina [Monroe] Creek via a 5 meter plank on that portion now occupied by the Yulo Plaza .

Oblivious of anything, there’s only one thing in my mind; search for a big spider [gagamba] in the aroma shrubs along a path which is now known as Estacion Road. I must find a big one to fight with the group of the Bacamantes and Binays of Parada.

2:00 PM; time to go the Don Bosco for our afternoon catechism, our group, the Cruzes,  Samontes, Zapantas, De Leons and Callejas slowly threaded our way by the side of the creek [now Fernando street] going to Pasong Tamo.

But first, before we proceed to Don Bosco, we have to take a few dips and dives and enjoy the deep clear water of Amorsolo Creek. Our favorite diving spot is at the top of a big boulder [on the side of what is now known as Sunvar Plaza] hidden from the prying eyes of the Don Bosco Priests, who always chased us out of the creek.

5;00 PM; after our catechism we happily jogged back home with a whole can of American cheese  and carton of milk powder courtesy of Don Bosco [Fr.Buscariol, Bro. Luis] as reward for attending the catechism and playing with them.

“Sige ayusin ninyo na yung mga kangkong para madala sa Libertad.” [Okay, bundle all the tops of water spinach for delivery at Libertad] My Pop instructed us, after we have harvested kangkong [water spinach] tops at our staked portion of the canal along Pasong Tamo side, now known as, Goldilocks. Where we also lined our kankungan [water spinach clusters] portion with “bingwit” [fishing rod] made of bamboo sprigs.

“Hey the moon is up, let’s play patintero.”

“Ok”

And we made the grid lines of patintero [line tag you're out] on the gravel road using the water from the open canal to mark the gridlines.

8:00 PM; “Gabi na magsi-uwi na kayo.” [It's already late, go home all of you. ]Reminded Lola [Grandma] Miling wife of Lolo [Grandpa] Jorje Cruz.

“Dadayo daw ng softball ang taga McKinley.” [The McKinley group will play softball with us]   Headed by Qiel Marcelino.

Sige, prepare natin un ball [made of socks’ scrap materials from the dump site of IHI, now known as Plaza Fair]

There’s a heavy rain…“Yeheey umaapaw na ang Amorsolo!” ["Amorsolo is overflowing!"] flooding the rice paddies along its western side [Mile Long] full of fishes.

We lined ourselves along the sides of Javier Street, just after Pasong Tamo, where the overflowed water from Amorsolo passed going to Medina [Monroe] Creek. And everyone tried to catch the fishes such as; dalags, gurames and occasionally, hitos that swam with the current water.



No matter how heavy the rain was, the flood will subside within 20 minutes at the most. And everything, water and fishes were discharged into Medina [Monroe] Creek to our disgust.

Our consolation after the flood; the fishes that were trapped and stayed in the steel culvert of Javier crossing J. Victor, and there were plenty of them to catch.

"Marami ba kayong nahuli? [Did you catch plenty of fishes] Yes Mom, here are my share of dalag, gurami, and martiniko, ng tumulong ako sa paglilimas  sa [I helped in drying up portion of] Medina [Monroe] Creek." A creek almost 5 meters wide and chest deep, teeming with variety of fishes.

“Oy dalian ninyo ang pagkain papasok pa kayo” [Faster on your lunch, you have to go to school] my Mom reminded us. After lunch my brother and I went to our respective schools at Bangkal [wala pa kasing school sa Gitna at Dulo] [no school yet at our place]. The annex was near the church of Jehova Witness surrounded by Bamboo clusters on the corner of Calhoun and M. Reyes[?].

“The first prize winner is Elino Napigkit.” 

Miss Binay announced the winners of Pio del Pilar Elementary School [Main] Declamation contest [Class of ‘59]. My prize was an unabridged Webster English Dictionary courtesy of Mr. Castro of McKinley Street.

After Pio, it was Jose Abad Santos High School [JASH Class ‘65] of Arellano University at the corner of Taft and Buendia. Riding a 5-passenger AC jeepneey along the route Pasay Road-Taft-Buendia-Pasong Tamo for a 10-centavo one-way fare!  

“Ano tapos ka ng mamili? Sa akin ka ipinag-bilin ng Mommy mo ’wag kang sasakay kay Tony.” [Are you done with your marketing? Your Mom told me to take care of you, so don't ride with Tony] It was Maeng our suking kutsero [coachman] waiting for me to finish my marketing at Libertad every morning. Back then, I usually did the marketing for our small sari-sari store before going to school.

On our way home from Libertad and passing Bert’s Place on the corner of M. Reyes, I always marvel at the horizon of talahib [tall grass] on San Isidro because from where we were, I could see some vehicles cruising along Buendia.

Time goes on and in the pursuit of growth I entered the portals of Mapua Institute of Technology [BSCE Class of ‘71] riding either MD or Super Transit along the route from Quiapo Taft left on Buendia then right on Pasong Tamo towards Highway 54 [now EDSA].

Ahhhh….those were the days when Pio was known as Culi Culi….the Culi Culi I have treasured in my heart  and mind…

But life must go on…my Culi Culi must grow from gravel streets, lined with Gumamela shrubs as fences; deep clear water creek of Amorsolo, and kangkong [water spinach] vegetated creek teeming with various varieties of fishes of Medina [Monroe].

And now, in the name of progress…my Culi Culi, saan ka patungo? [where are you going?]

WHO CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF FLOOD IN DULO?

Circa 1960

Sitio Dulo will be flooded only if Amorsolo creek will overflow.

And, flood in Dulo was fun!

Along Buendia and Javier street , we waded through the flood. And what fun it was to see and to catch fish (dalag, hito, martiniko and gurame) that swims with the flow of the ankle-deep flood water every time Amorsolo creek overflows.

From the overflowed Amorsolo creek, the flood water flows along Javier street (Fernando street was a deep creek then) going to Medina creek, a 5-meter wide and hip-deep (some portions were chest-deep) creek where fish and kangkong are in abundance.

• When it rains, we always eagerly anticipate the flood!
  

Circa 1980

The flood water flows along the same direction, from Amorsolo to Medina, but floating garbage flows along with the knee-deep flood instead of fish!

Politicians come and go, promising to stop the flood from devastating my sitio.

Rico Puno became our #1 councilor because of his promise to solve the problem of flood.

“When elected, residents of Dulo will no longer be afflicted by athletes’ foot because there will be no more flood in Dulo.”

Three (3) terms later, we the residents of Dulo not only suffer from athletes’ foot during rainy season but from kurikong as well. What a comedia by a very good comedian!

So many promises have been made to alleviate the suffering of the residents of Dulo from the devastation of flood. But once elected, promises were gone with the wind of campaign rhetoric!

Present

Every time it rains, hip-deep flood follows with the usual floating garbage!

Some politician knows about the problem but doesn’t CARE to solve it!

• WHEN IT RAINS, HOW WE HATE THE FLOOD...!

Who then can solve the problem of flood in Dulo?

Chairperson Ortega?

Who admitted to grow up with the flood but so helpless to solve it!

Rico Puno?

He should go back to the entertainment stage where he belongs!

Buts Aquino?

If he were not able to solve the problem during his term as congressman, there is no way for me to believe that he could solve it now.

Jun Jun Binay?

For more than 20 years, his parents and him did not lift a finger to “really solve” the problem of flood in Dulo.

How on earth could he solve it now?

Nestor Mercado?

He was with the Binays for so long, and should have known what to do, instead of applying superficial solutions.

I have reservations that he could solve it now.

Erwin Genuino?

How could he solve a problem he doesn’t know exists?

Bangkal is blessed not to have the same problem of Dulo.

HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM?

ACTION

Residents of Dulo, are we going to be swayed again by the empty promises of these politicians who promise everything including high heavens during the campaign?

But once elected, it would take a MIRACLE to contact them?

Let us, IN ONE VOICE, ask these candidates what is their solution to ease the flooding of Dulo?

And DO NOT VOTE a candidate WHO will tell you that his solution to the flood of Dulo is to rehabilitate the “tarima” that connects Medina creek to Faraday’s drainage;

• because for MORE THAN 20 YEARS this has been the SAME OLD PROMISE........!

Besides, rehabilitation of the “tarima” would be an effective solution, only if the drainage of Faraday could accommodate the volume of the flood water that accumulates along Medina creek. Presently, it could not!

SOLUTION

Flood Control Infrastructure Project

ODE TO MY CHILD

I carry life or death within me,
this little stirring, blind and pushing life form
is the sweet paradox inevitable,
weighing me down with either sorrow or joy.

The joy of knowing that you are there,

The unborn smile of my character,

Is it the face of your fragile mother?

The lovely Nikki of my younger years!

The sorrow of forever not seeing you,

Weigh down my soul forever more!

How I love to see your eyes

Shining on me with full delight!

The eternal flame of love, within me,

The dreams of wading on running streams,

The giggling sound of shrilling laughter,

In my heart desire, in vain it died!

In darkness you wander searching for a home

A pity in sight at the end all alone!

A blank wall at the journey’s end,

You face death all by your own!

Teach me, my little one, the acceptance of pain,
whether death or life is borne within me.

Soothe the aching pain

Of an old man’s dying days!

Wherever you are my little angel,

In the midst of Autumn, Spring, Winter,
and this wild, petal-drifting, sun-dazed May.

I am with you and pray someday,

When I close my eyes,

On my laps you’ll play!

I love you my child…