September 2017

The Evil in Man

By Apolinario Villalobos

The evil in man makes him salivate at all opportunities for exploitation… just anything in this world.  In this regard, inventions with good intentions are used to sow destruction, such as even helpful drugs, gadgets, etc.

The dynamite is supposed to be used for smashing big boulders into bits, but is being used in illegal fishing and so many other damaging purposes. The cough syrup is supposed to alleviate the respiratory ailment but is used by unscrupulous youth to get “high”. Sedative drugs are downed with beer or liquor to as “downers”. An ingredient in making fertilizer is also being used to make explosive. Nail and screws are used as fillings in home-made bombs. Cellphones are used to send harmful messages by evil-minded selfish ego-trippers and to trigger home-made bombs, the internet or the social media, for that matter, is used by the people with devilish character. Etc.

Despite the very obvious positive impression and intent of anything, the evil in man makes him perceive even the teeny-weeny strain of a negative flaw and expand it into exaggerated proportion with the purpose of ruining the whole. Examples are the well-intended blogs ruined by nonsensical comments, the laws which are circumvented for illegal purpose, etc.

As regards the laws and rules, the evil in man makes him see gainful and selfish opportunities in the flaws or defects. Concern here are the lawmakers themselves and those who are supposed to implement them. Extortion is what the evil in man wants to happen. The evil in man cannot even be suppressed by the gained knowledge from universities, as many of those with devilish mind are bred in such institutions!

SERAFIN P. BERNARDO…his journey from Passi, Iloilo to Tacurong (Part 1)

By Apolinario Villalobos

The ancestral family of  Serafin P. Bernardo is from the Negros province, particulary, Victorias, but settled in Passi, Iloilo which they, henceforth, considered as their hometown. He had a penpal, Ciloy Levita who invited him to check Tacurong for himself if it would suit his adventurous plan to settle in Mindanao. During the time, the undeveloped territory of Tacurong extended as far as San Felipe of Tantangan. In 1946, when the WWII just ended, he finally visited Tacurong to check and went as far as the area that is now covered by Kalandagan and Carmen after which he left again for Passi where he was working as Chief of Police.  

In 1948, he came back to Tacurong with his family in tow, Elisa Panizales, the wife, and three children, Nenita, Nonito, and Judith. When they arrived in Cotabato, the family took a “ferry” that brought them to Buluan. During the time, visitors with plenty of luggage usually disembarked at Buluan which had some sort of a “pier”. Those with a few luggage went as far as Sapakan, bordering Ligwasan Marsh and crossed the river to Tinumiguez, then proceeded to Lambayong which was well developed ahead of Tacurong.

Among the prominent families in Lambayong then, were the Guerreros and Luceros. The only road from Lambayong that ended into a foot trail that branched into several, was a portion of what is now Alunan highway.  For this reason, old Hispanic houses could still be found in the area, prominent among which is the Rapacon residence. The areas encompassing what is today’s downtown were either rice fields or marsh lands. When they arrived in Tacurong, Serafin bought a lot along Mabini St. where he built a big house behind which another smaller house was built and which the Levitas occupied. Later he bought a lot near MINPROCOR, particularly along Quezon Ave. which was eventually given to the Levitas.

Serafin’s  youngest daughter, Judith and son, Nonito, recalled that their father purchased 5 hectares of land in an area which was then called “Mangilala” (referred today as the one covered by Carmen and Kalandagan), followed by two more parcels of 5 hectares each. Purchases were also made beside the property by his only sister, Angelica, married to Felix Villalobos, and his youngest brother, Serafin Bernardo, Jr.

Later, the 15 hectares were sold, with the proceeds used to purchase lands in what is now New Passi, but which was originally referred to by settlers as “Katil”. It was purchased from DATU KANDELAYANG KAMSA. The purchase was witnessed by DATU KUDANDENG AND DATU LUMINOG. It covered more than 100 hectares of land. With the purchase sealed, he went back to Passi to invite relatives to settle in the place. That was how the Pauyas, Palomos, Parreῆos, Pamposas, Pamas, Palabricas and many more got settled in the area which they aptly named, “New Passi”. According to Tomas Pauya, he came with a group in 1954. Arriving at Lambayong, they hiked up to New Passi…he was very young then, and got enrolled in the New Passi Elementary School when his family arrived. He recalled a classmate, Lagrimas Pamposa as their consistent “First Honor”.

Later, the families of French, Garcia, Aguilar, Cunningham, Cordero, Panes, and many others came but settled in the adjacent area, now called Rajah Muda. Many families including those of Jarell and  Braga, also came and settled in Baras and Upper Katungal. As roads from the fast developing Tacurong were constructed, more settlers from Iloilo came and settled at Lower Katungal, Upper Katungal, Baras, New Passi and Rajah Muda. The more adventurous settlers went up to Magon and further on to Tacub where they intermarried with the Bla’ans. An area which is now part of South Cotabato was also settled by Ilonggos, hence, aptly named, “New Iloilo”. The Eastern portion of Tacurong got settled by Ilocanos while those in the North, by other settlers from the various towns of Iloilo.

Serafin also purchased some lands around the Dulawan Estate, the downtown area, and Dadiangas (today, General Santos City). Meanwhile, other areas near New Passi, Rajah Muda, Baras, Katungal, and Lagao were also initially settled by the Garcias and Montillas. The development brought about KENRAM (due to the early produce – kenap and ramie) and ALACor (Ala Corporation). Today, a portion of Lagao is politically recognized as Barangay JC Montilla which is covered with African palm plantations. According to Nonito Bernardo, the Dulawan Estate, included Kapingkong, Tambak, Palumbi, Udtong, and Katitisan.  Lambayong shares the border with Tacurong City’s Barangay Griῆo (formerly, Gansing). An airport station was opened at KENRAM with a short runway for commercial flights utilizing DC-3s.  It was closed when the Surallah station was opened.

The first mayor of Tacurong was Mr. Soriano and a photo has recorded his first meeting with the Council and officials. Serafin was among the Councilors. The development of Tacurong was hectic as shown by the organization of FACOMA (Farmers Cooperative and Marketing Association), a farmers’ cooperative with Serafin Limbungan as the first President. At the time, bridges were built along with roads that finally linked Tacurong with Marbel (today, Koronadal City), Isulan leading to Cotabato City and Surallah, as well as, Lambayong and Buluan. Today, the road to Buluan leads all the way to Davao, Kidapawan, Bukidnon, and Cagayan de Oro. Nonito Bernardo also recalled that during election campaigns, they would go to as far as San Felipe in Tantangan, as the latter was still within the political territory of Tacurong. The lone lady and most popular political figure during the time was Amalia Pabilona.

Ms. Nenita Bernardo recalled that when they studied in Marbel during the early 1950s, they hiked the distance from Tacurong to the said town as there was no public transportation that plied between them, then. They would hike to Marbel on Sundays with their provisions loaded on a cart pulled by a carabao. On Fridays, they would hike back to Tacurong for the weekend. For their convenience they boarded in Marbel.  With them making the trek were Lucia Paladin, Rafael and Delfin Pama, the Dasmariῆas siblings, Gelacio and Usting Panes.

Serafin served as Vice-Mayor in Tacurong for three consecutive terms, finally, retiring from politics to devote his time to farming. He would still wake up at 3:00AM, a habit that he did not change, roll several tobacco cigars for the day, and read what he could find around – magazines and even old issues of newspapers with the aid of an antique kerosene lamp.  Before sunrise, he would be ready to go to New Passi with his adopted son, “Digol” (Rodrigo) driving the “pick up”. He delighted in talking to relatives and farm hands the whole day in the farm. One of them recalled how during planting seasons, everyday he would  bring dried fish to be roasted on coals, while those who were not planting rice seedlings would cook “apan-apan”, kangkong sautéed in ginamos (salted krill paste).  Before dusk, he would be driven back home by Digol.

The Sultan Kudarat Electric Company (SUKELCO) building was among his investments in the downtown area  aside from other residential lots, including the more than 700 square meters at Mabini St. where the ancestral house stands. They were purchased with the produce coaxed from the farm. The SUKELCO building is now owned by the said cooperative. As a clarification on his acquisitions, the proceeds for their purchase came from the produce of his farms in New Passi and Baras, which today are planted to African palms.

As Vice-Mayor of Tacurong, his wage was not even enough for the dole outs that he made.

I have heard so many stories about his benevolence, such that relatives and acquaintances would trek to their home at Mabini St. to seek financial assistance which he readily gave. His early morning sojourns to his farm was stopped by the onset of a crippling rheumatism that affected his knees. From then on, the only opportunity for him to savor the outdoors was when he was brought to the terrace on a wheelchair where he waved back at friends who passed by. He finally rested at the age of 102.

What Achievements Can Do

By Apolinario Villalobos

I have been blogging about achievers and their success, and I would like to add that such feat could generate the following:

There is no problem with the positive effects of achievements such as admiration and satisfaction. The problem is with envy, as it may result to:

Bashing and harmful jokes are the negative “gains” from the high technology that rules life today. Simply said, anybody can create hundreds of identity in the internet and use them for malicious intent, and SIM cards can be bought from sidewalk peddlers for as low as Php15, already with free text and calls to be used in sending anonymous messages or making calls to poor victims. On the other hand, the development of ill feeling towards the achiever occurs among selfish people who want everything in life at all cost. Their ego made them feel that only they are capable of succeeding in life.

Many successful lives have been ruined by the egoistic and selfish people who cannot stand the achievement of others…that is one of the reasons why the world is beset with disharmony. Man has no choice but to live with that reality. Meanwhile, what the achievers can do is thank the Lord for their success and restrain themselves from wishing bad karma for their detractors for it may just happen as dictated by the “Golden Rule”.

Ang Mga Hindi Nakakatuwang Pagbabago

ng mga Salitang Nakasanayan Na

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Pinagpipilitan ng ilang sektor ang pagtawag ngayon sa “iskwater” o “squatter” bilang “informal settler”. Kung maging literal sa pag-translate ng katagang “squatter”, ang pinakamalapit na katumbas ay “mang-aagaw”, kaya binaybay o inispel na lang na “iskwater” – noon yan. Pero ngayon, dahil “informal settler” na ang pinagpipilitang itawag, ang tanong ay ano ang katumbas nito sa Tagalog o Filipino…”impormal setler”? At bakit ginamit ang salitang “informal”?...kaylan pa naging “formal” ang pang-iiskwat?

Ang “squatter’s area” naman na simpleng tinatawag na “iskwater” sa Tagalog o Filipino ay pilit na binabago sa tawag na “depressed area”. Pero, ano naman yan sa Tagalog o Filipino”…”malungkot na lugar”? …lalo pang pinasama ang katawagan! Sa mga lugar na yan, kahit maraming kakapusan sa mga materyal na bagay, masaya ang mga nakatira. Nakita ko yan dahil madalas akong mamasyal sa mga kinatatakutan ng iba tulad ng Baseco Compound, Isla Puting Bato sa Tondo, at mga slums sa gilid ng mga riles at ilog ng Reina Regente.

Gumanda nga sa pandinig ang “iskwater” o “squatter”  dahil English ang ginamit, pero ang tinutukoy ay GANOON PA RIN dahil hindi mababago sa anumang katawagan ang tunay na mukha ng kahirapan o poverty.

YAN ANG KAHANGALAN NG MAKABAGONG SISTEMA…PINAPAGANDA SA PANDINIG ANG MARAMING BAGAY NA PARA BANG NAGMI-MAKE UP NG MUKHA UPANG “GUMANDA”.  PARA BANG SA MGA BEAUTY CONTEST…NAGPAPAGANDAHAN NG MGA MUKHA ANG MGA KALAHOK, PERO TANGGALAN MO SILA NG MAKE-UP, ANO ANG MANGYAYARI KAPAG “TUNAY” NA MUKHA ANG MALALANTAD? …ANO ANG MAKIKITA?

Mapapansing hindi man lang pinag-isipan kung ano talaga ang mga katumbas na katawagan sa Filipino o Tagalog ang mga salitang gustong baguhin, kaya ang ginagawa ng taga-media, ginagamit pa rin ang English kapag nagri-report o nagsusulat sa Tagalog o Filipino. Para sa akin ay hindi yan nakakatuwa.

Bakit kailangan pang baguhin ang mga katawagan na hindi na kailangan pang baguhin?...para lang masabing may ginawang pagbabago?... samantalang pwede namang MAG-ISIP NG BAGO NA. 

The Unsung Heroism of Teachers

By Apolinario Villalobos

Teachers become the second parents of children as they step inside the school campus. I do not want to dwell on their wage as everybody knows that despite the adjustment, still, it is not commensurate to their effort and time spent in school. Weekends sometimes see them in school sprucing up their rooms to make them conducive for the learning of their young wards. If they are lucky, they get support by way of budgeted “allowance” from their superiors for the aforementioned expense which oftentimes is not enough so that they are forced to shell out their scrimped savings.

I know of teachers who are supporting in their own affordable way, pupils who go to school without breakfast. They include these unfortunates in their packed lunch or sandwiches. Those assigned in far-off or remote schools, with some beyond several hills and swift rivers, had to spend for the fuel of their “single motorcycles”. Some viewers of my blogs are teachers and they told me that they are also spending for their own teaching materials…actually, a traditional practice that include even the purchase of floor wax, brooms and dust pans.

They may have been able to collect simple jewelries…hard-earned investments, but according to my teacher-friends, it took them several years to complete the payment made on installment basis. On school days, they have to wake up at dawn to prepare breakfast for their family, leave home for school before 6 or 7AM, stay in school till 5:00PM or beyond, tackle the flood during rainy months on the way home, immediately attend to their family upon arriving home, and work on their modules till late in the evening for the next day. Due to bad traffic, many would arrive home as late as 9:00PM.

Many teachers become spinsters and bachelors because of their dedication to their job. Some say, they have no time for the “loving-loving”. Worse, many also develop TB due to unhealthy condition in their workplace. The consolation that they get from their job, especially, if they are handling kids is the loyalty and devotion from them. These brought about common statements from their pupils, “….sabi ni Ma’am…”. “…ayaw ni Ma’am niyan…”. etc.

I remember my teachers in Tacurong Pilot Elementary School, such as, Mrs. Paradero, Mrs. Sucaldito, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Barber, Ms. Davala, Mrs. Amar, Mr. Palencia, Mrs. Ramos, Mrs. Domider. In NDTC Boys Department such as, Mr. Elmer Festin, Mr. Jamorabon, Ms. Uy, Mr. Cabiles, Ms. Hojilla, Ms. Palabrica, Mr. Gabertan. In NDTC college department, such as, Mrs. Lechonsito, Mr. Canzana, Ret. Judge Jacosalem Makilala…..and many more. (I hope viewing schoolmates and classmates can help me out recall names….please add.)

Alas! Without “Ma’am” and “Sir”, where would I be? 

Ang Buhay sa Lansangan

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Kung pagmasdan silang pinagkaitan ng rangya

Di maiwasang may maramdaman tayong awa

Nakapaa at nagtutulak ng kariton kung minsan

Basang sisiw naman sila, kapag inabutan ng ulan.

Abala palagi sa pangangalakal o sa  pamamasura

Wala sa isip nila ang sumilong upang magpahinga

Habol ay makarami ng mga mapupulot  at maiipon

Hindi alintana pagbabadya ng masamang panahon.

Sa mga nadadampot na styrophor galing sa Jollibee

Bigay ay saya dahil may matitikmang tirang ispageti

Kahit iilang hibla lamang na may kulapol pang ketsap

Sa maingat na pagsubo, dama’y  abot-langit na sarap.

Gula-gulanit ang suot na kamiseta at nanggigitata pa

Ang damit, kung hindi masikip ay maluwag sa kanila

Kung pantalon naman, walang zipper, at butas –butas

Subali’t hindi alintana, may maisuot lang, kahi’t kupas.

Kapos sa mga ginhawa na dulot ay  materyal na pera

Puso namang may nakakasilaw na busilak ay meron sila

Walang hiling kundi matiwasay na umaga sa paggising -

Kahi’t mahapdi ang tiyan dahil sa gutom, di dumadaing.

May mga bagay, dapat nating mapulot sa mga ugali nila

Pampitik sa atin upang gumising at magbubukas ng mata

Gaya ng hindi maging sakim at mapag-imbot sa kapwa

Bagkus, maghintay at magpasalamat sa bigay na biyaya!

MICHELLE  JORDAN FOBAR…beauty and brains combined

Pride of Sultan Kudarat State University (Tacurong City)

By Apolinario Villalobos

Here’s another young talented Tacurongnon…MICHELLE JORDAN FOBAR, who at 21 years of age is oozing with artistic skills, especially, sketching as shown by some of her works. She is a member of the KATAHUM Group of Artis and on her fourth year in her Bachelor in Industrial Technology, majoring in Architectural Drafting. She lives at barangay Ledesma in Tacurong City and daughter of proud parents, Alphonse Fobar and Consuelo Jordan. She is the second in the brood of three siblings. She has been consistently garnering honors in arts during her elementary and high school days.

Aside from sketching, she also writes poems in English and Filipino…and, meekly admitted as a “silent musician”. 

JOHN REY POSADAS ALIWALAS…young portrait artist

and pride of Tacurong National High School

By Apolinario Villalobos

John Rey Aliwalas is 16 years old, who lost his mother at a young age and whose father, Jeffrey, drives a tricycle to support him and a sibling. He is the eldest and his sketches have helped him a lot through his studies as a Grade 11 student at Tacurong National High School. The loss of his mother inspired him to to sketch. When his friends discovered his talent, they encouraged him to go on which he did until he found a courage to sketch the portrait of the current mayor of Tacurong City, Honorable Lina Montilla who happily accepted the gift.

John is a consistent honor student who also joins dancing and singing competitions. He confided that he is a self-taught video editor.

JOHN IS AMONG THE RARE YOUNG TALENTS OF TACURONG CITY, WHO DESERVES SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION. VIEWERS MAY CONTACT HIM AT CELLPHONE NUMBER 09464310454.

September 21

…the day democracy died in the Philippines

By Apolinario Villalobos

Indeed, September 21 gained prominence in the history of the Philippines as the day democracy died because of the Martial Law declared by the late Ferdinand Marcos. Among the reasons cited for signing the declaration were insurgency, Communism, corruption in the government…all of which were deterrent to the advancement of the country’s economy. After the declaration, the Marcos government became a beehive of activities founded on “Bagong Lipunan” or New Society.

Slogans and songs were composed, projects were implemented, infrastructures to support various industries, particularly tourism, mushroomed. In addition to those, permits for logging and mining were issued to hasten the exploit of the natural resources, purportedly to give additional support to the quest of the dictator to put the country ahead of the rest of the Southeast Asian nations. Marcos succeeded as he gained prominence and looked up to with awe and admiration by the rest of ASEAN nations. He inspired Lee Kwan Yew to transform Singapore into what it is today.

Along with the so-called progress, military and police abuse also gained prominence resulting to the incessant rallies. The notoriety of “METROCOM” was the talk of the town, as well as, the disappearance of prominent student leaders. Political personages who belonged to the opposition were dragged out of session halls and their homes to be locked up, including Benigno S. Aquino.

What has the country gained? Obviously, Manila became the cultural center of Asia, what with the springing up of the Cultural Center Complex along Roxas Boulevard that included, The Cultural Center of the Philippines, Folk Arts Theater, Philippine International Convention Center, the former Philippine Plaza Hotel (today, Sofitel), the cluster of squat buildings for agro-industrial exhibit and shows. Marcos became the new “tiger of Asia”. The Philippines soared as the new leader of Southeast Asian nations. Thankfully, there was no suppression of religion. The illegal drug “industry” was somewhat controlled with the execution of a Chinese drug lord in Rizal Park.

On the other hand, the Marcos take-over and control of various corporations was overwhelming. The act was decently dubbed “sequestration” to give it a legal impression….nothing personal. But the book written by Jovito R. Salonga, “Presidential Plunder…The Quest for the Marcos Ill-Gotten Wealth”, tells all about the staggering number of sequestered corporations controlled by the family and their allies. The book also tells how money is transferred from Manila to the banks in America for spending during their trips, as well as, the acquired properties in the land of Uncle Sam. The author was the first Commissioner of the Philippine Commission on Good Government, a misnomer, as the agency was supposed to concentrate on the ill-gotten wealth and not the issues on good governance.

During the time of their prominence, Imelda was quoted, “WE PRACTICALLY OWN EVERYTHING IN THE PHILIPPINES, FROM ELECTRICITY, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, AIRLINE, BANKING, BEER AND TOBACCO, NEWSPAPER PUBLISHING, TELEVISION STATIONS, SHIPPING, OIL AND MINING, HOTELS AND BEACH RESORTS, DOWN TO COCONUT MILLING, SMALL FARMS, REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE”. This is the caption in the photo showing Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos in the same aforementioned book written by Salonga.

But the big question now is…HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE MARCOSES, WOULD THERE BE CULTURAL CENTER COMPLEX, PHILIPPINE HEART CENTER, PHILIPPINE KIDNEY CENTER, THE BETTER LRT (COMPARED TO THE NEW ONE), EXPANSION OF THE PHILIPPINE GENERAL HOSPITAL, ETC, AT THE RATE PLUNDERING IN THE GOVERNMENT IS GOING?

TODAY, EVEN A FEW KILOMETERS OF HIGHWAYS ARE SHODDILY CONSTRUCTED, BRIDGES ARE BUILT OF INFERIOR MATERIALS, PROJECTS ARE LEFT UNFINISHED, EVEN THE SHELTERS FOR THE DISASTER VICTIMS ARE BUILT OF INFERIOR MATERIALS. AFTER MARCOS, ILLEGAL DRUGS HAD AND ARE STILL HAVING A HEYDAY…ALTHOUGH, DUTERTE IS DOING HIS BEST TO CONTROL IT.

Finally, my advice as a mere “chirp in the wilderness” to President Duterte, is to tone down his praises to the Marcoses as the more praises he utter, the more supporters he losses. It is enough that he has let the whole world know that his family owes a lot to the Marcoses…with such pronouncement, he has already shown his gratitude more than enough.

Ang Baha at Kapalpakan ng Gobyerno

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Ang nararanasang baha tuwing tag-ulan ay nangyayari sa buong kapuluan ng Pilipinas. Ang isa sa mga dahilan nito ay ang kalumaan ng mga drainage – maliit at puno na ng latak o sediments….yan ang sitwasyon ng Manila at mga lumang lunsod tulad ng Bacoor City, Imus City, Cainta, Taytay, Makati, at marami pang iba. Subalit maraming mga bagong barangay, bayan at lunsod ang binabaha dahil sa KAWALAN NG DRAINAGE SYSTEM.

Sa mapa at blueprint na batayan ng mga proposal sa pag-approve ng status ng local units upang maging barangay, bayan o lunsod, walang naka-indicate na drainage system. Ang nakalagay lang ay mga “zones”.  Dapat ay kasama sa blueprint ng barangay, bayan at lunsod ang sketch ng  DRAINAGE SYSTEM NA GAWA NA, HINDI DROWING LANG. Kung wala nito, dapat ay hindi aprubahan ng Kongreso ang pino-propose na status. Dahil sa kapalpakan na yan, maraming lunsod na palaging lubog sa baha, at kung magpagawa man ay wala pang effective na direction kung saan dadalhin ang waste water. Ang kapalpakan na yan ay hindi dapat isisi sa kasalukuyang nakaupong mga namumuno dahil minana lang nila ang problema.

Dapat ay gayahin ang sistema ng mga subdivision developers batay sa requirement ng mga ahensiyang may kinalaman sa housing program.  Bago sila makapagbenta ng mga lote, ang subdivision ay dapat kumpleto sa mga facilities tulad ng drainage system, electric posts, plaza, multi-purpose hall, basketball court at ang iba ay mayroon pa ngang chapel.

Kung magpo-propose naman sana ng isang sitio na gagawing barangay, dapat ay kasama ang territorial blueprint na nagpapakita ng mga kanal, manhole, at direksiyon na patutunguhan ng tubig – kung sa ilog man o sa lawa.  

Kapag ipinanukalang gawing lunsod ang isang bayan at inaasahan ang pagdagsa ng mga investors na magtatayo ng restaurants, malls, hotels, at condo buildings, dapat ay mahigpit na ipatupad ang pagkakaroon nila ng malaking septic tank na siyang magsasala (strain) muna ng maruming tubig bago ito padaluyin sa drainage system.

Sa simpleng salita…KAPABAYAAN ANG DAHILAN NG MGA BAHA, NA LALO PANG PINATINDI NG MGA NAKATIWANGWANG NA MGA PROYEKTO, NA KARAMIHAN AY BASTA NA LANG INIWAN NG MGA CONTRACTORS DAHIL SA KAKULANGAN NG BUDGET.

Hazing

…an eye-opener 

By Apolinario Villalobos

Now and then, front pages of newspapers scream expositions on deaths that result from hazing. Investigations are conducted. Parents and concerned organizations hold rallies to put an end to the fatal ritual…and most often, they bark at the wrong tree.

There is already a law against it. Some schools ban fraternities. The police is doing its part. Meanwhile, concerned parents and organizations forgot to call the attention of other parents, especially, the students, themselves. The fact is that, most students who join fraternities to have a feeling of security and belongingness, are already of age, and know what they are doing, yet they do it.  They read news about death resulting from hazing, yet, they take the risk by still joining.

With all those mentioned circumstances, why should parents blame the school?...and the police who cannot solve the crime immediately? Some parents blame the world, but themselves and their sons and daughters who upon entering the portal of colleges and universities become ambitious and arrogant. These sons and daughters thought that they can have a share of prominence in the campus by joining fraternities, and have their fingers or knuckles bear the mark of affiliation.

Some parents of hazing victims, on the other hand, insist that they did their part by warning their sons about joining such kind of organization. Really?... It has been found out that parents of some students who died from hazing belong to the fraternity that the departed tried to be part of! Some parents are even known to remind their sons and daughters to see to it that the fraternity that they will join, also has government officials as members, so that the latter can be approached for help in times of need. The price of selfishness is too expensive, indeed!

Some schools are doing the right thing by letting their students sign a release waiver, so that they will not be blamed if the latter would insist on joining a fraternity. The police is not in the position to pass on the blame, in view of the existing law, because it is their duty to solve a crime. Besides, passing on the blame will not solve the problems on hazing that is pestering the campuses. Many cases of hazing that result to the death of neophytes are left unsolved, hence, relegated to the sidelines, with their folders turning yellow and accumulating dust in filing cabinets of courts.

Doubts are floating if hazing can be possibly put to a stop, as officers of the fraternities involved are entrenched in the different nooks and corners of the government, with some even staff of schools, and who just remain silent every time a new case hits the pages of newspapers and aired over TVs and radios. Helplessness and futility of the effort is very evident.

The hazing victims have been given the opportunity to enjoy a much coveted, but expensive education, but they wasted it because of their arrogant social climbing attitude and desire to be part of the elite crowd in the campus. And, most unfortunately, many students who were known to be shy, have learned to smoke and imbibe alcoholic drinks after joining fraternities.

Before viewers who are members of fraternities will misjudge me, I would like to make it clear that I am not referring to all students as being arrogant with social climbing attitudes that push them to join fraternities. Most, especially, I am not contending that all parents are selfish enough as to encourage their children to join fraternities known for their members who are government officials. I know that there are still many students who are sane enough to make use of the hard-earned money of their benefactors – parents, elder brothers or sisters, by focusing their mind to their studies.

A student need not join a fraternity to shine in the school campus. The school is intended for learning and not for negative socializing.

The “Kudong”, Talakudong Festival,

Felizardo Lazado, and Bogz Jamorabon

By Apolinario Villalobos

“Kudong” is the generic name for anything that covers the head. It is a Karay-a word used by Ilonggos. Anything can be a “kudong”, such as the wide “gabi” leaf, banana leaf, turban, towel, and of course, hat. When the Ilonggos came to what was then Pamansang, a sitio of Buluan, they adopted many Muslim traditions, one of which was the use of one particular Muslim hat originally made of buri and tikug, but today, of the widely-planted African palm and has become the symbol of the current Talakudong Festival.

The festival has gone through a difficult metamorphosis but with the persistence of the people behind the initial celebrations, it has become another touristic come-on of southern Mindanao. It was conceived during the early 70’s when Felizardo Lazado was involved in the touristic affairs of Tacurong, and which was not yet a city. It was well-supported by the barangays, commercial establishments and educational institutions. Working in tandem with him and who is still actively coordinating the actual activities today, is Bogz Jamorabon.

Felizardo Lazado did not waver in his support when he left the local government to teach full time in Notre Dame of Tacurong College. Bogz Jamorabon, who was then active as one of the Councilors, on the other hand, continued his job as Director cum Coordinator of the festival. Today, Emelie Jamorabon who heads the City Tourism Council is actively involved, especially, in the planning, but her brother, Bogz is still at the forefront as the “traditional” over-all Coordinator. Bogz, as an information, heads the City Team that handles the disaster prevention.

Today, Felizardo Lazado, could be the doting granddad to his grandchildren. But, for the Talakudong Festival, he is the “father”…while Bogz is the “Big Brother”.

Ang Mga Okey sa Buhay…

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Okey lang ang maging addict

…pero, sa pag-aaral at hindi sa drugs.

Okey lang ang magpakalasing

…pero, sa pagmamahal at hindi sa alak.

Okey lang ang maging “yes man”

…pero, kay Hesus at hindi kay Satanas.

Okey lang ang magmura

…pero, tukuyin ang mga korap na opisyal.

Okey lang ang magparami ng anak

…pero, hindi iyo kundi ng mga alaga mong hayop.

Okey lang ang magtanim ng “damo”

…pero, hindi marijuana, kundi Bermuda o carabao grass.

Okey lang ang manampal

…pero, sarili mong mukha kung dapuan ito ng lamok.

Okey lang ang magbasag

…pero, ng itlog kung magpipirito ka nito.

Okey lang ang “suminghot”

…pero, ng Vicks inhaler kung may sipon ka.

Okey lang ang pumatay

…pero, ng kandila kung tapos na ang brownout.

Okey lang ang magnakaw

…pero, ng oras upang marami ka pang magawa.

At, okey lang ang pumatay

…pero, ng oras sa pamamagitan ng pagbasa.

ANG PULITIKA BILANG BALAKID O HARANG SA PAG-USAD O PAG-ASENSO NG BANSA

NI Apolinario Villalobos

PULITIKA ANG PINAKAMALAKING BALAKID O OBSTACLE KAYA HINDI MAKAUSAD TUNGO SA KAUNLARAN ANG PILIPINAS SA KABUUHAN NITO, DAHIL KASAMA SA NAHAHARANGAN ANG MGA LALAWIGAN, LUNSOD, BAYAN AT BARANGAY.

MGA HALIMBAWA:

Footprints of a Friend….

(Tribute to Ruel Lucentales)

By: Apolinario B Villalobos

When we were young

He said, “I will be great someday”

I said, “I have the same dream.”

He was diligent in his studies

And even excelled in other fields

Despite odds that limited our quest

That we hurdled to satisfy our needs.

After graduation in college

He said, “I want to raise a family”

I said, “Go ahead, get a wife oozing with beauty and sanity.”

He got a beauty and both raised two children

Who grew to be caring and responsible

Making them both happy and they did not ask for more.

When we met again

He said, “Somehow, I will try my best to help others”.

I said, “That, I hope to see”.

He was braving the danger along the way

As he visited settlements of evacuees.

With him was a jolly entourage clad in blue chalico -

Brave men and women, pride of then Region XI’s DSW.

When he was to be promoted

He said, “Friend, I will be transferred to Manila, what do you say?”

I said, “Go ahead, consider it as part of your destiny”.

Then I saw him on TV braving the thick ashfall of Mt. Pinatubo.

Skipping meals and being away from his family for days

Became just part of daily routine enjoyed by him -

And all these he did without a single complaint.

When told about our class reunion in August 21, 2010

He said to a classmate, “Ed, I will surely be part of our homecoming in Notre Dame.”

Ed said, “You must, as the rest are expecting you to be there.”

Others were told and were elated that at last, he could make it, come what may.

He was excited, of course, to meet classmates last seen more than twenty years ago.

But, a slight twist of his destiny changed all these

When on a fateful day he breathed his last

The day that bore his final footprint on the sands of life

That bore witness to his greatness -

As a struggling youth with a dream

As a patient brother to his siblings

As a loving husband to a beautiful wife

As a doting father to two caring children

As a worker who cares for his colleagues and those in need

As a man who did not fail to look back

To his footprints while on his way to greatness

To fulfill his destiny…

To you Ruel, our friend, our brod, we say:

YOU ARE, INDEED, GREAT!

A Chirp in the Wilderness

By Apolinario Villalobos

As the sun rays break the stillness of dawn

And as the horizon slowly brightens the early morn

So do I open my eyes to a world beset with wants…

Another day.

Here I am

Just a dot in the universe of humanities

Trying to give warmth with a curled smile in my lips

Though I know that with my songs

I’m just like a chirp in the wilderness.

Ang Pulitika sa Pilipinas

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Walang permanenteng kaibigan sa larangan ng pulitika. Sa larangang ito ay umiiral ang tinatawag sa Ingles na, “survival of the toughest”, o sa Tagalog ay “matira ang matibay” dahil sa makapal na mukha at matibay na sikmura. Ibig kong sabihin sa “makapal na mukha” ay matapang humarap kanino man, hindi nahihiya o nangingimi kung may pinaglalaban. Ang may matibay namang sikmura ay hindi nasusuka sa nakakasulasok na amoy sa loob ng larangang ito. Kung mahina ang fighting spirit mo, huwag kang sumabak sa pulitika. Kung wala kang financial machinery, ibig sabihin ay wala kang “financier” o “investor”, huwag ka nang pumil-ap ng candidacy form sa COMELEC. Sa kabila ng mga nabanggit ko, mayroon pa rin namang mga pulitikong pagkatapos manalo ay nagpapairal ng prinsipyo, subalit, iilan lang sila.

Hindi lang sa Pilipinas umiiral ang bilihan ng boto tuwing panahon ng eleksiyon. Matindi nga lang sa Pilipinas dahil sa tagal ng panahon na pag-iral ng ganitong gawi, nagkaugat na ng napakalalim sa kultura ng mga Pilipino. Tanga lang ang mag-iisip na ang mga sumasama sa mga rally at bumabatikos sa corruption ay “malinis”. Hindi magbibilad sa init at magpakapaos ang mga raleyista sa panahon ngayon kung wala silang natatanggap na benepisyo sa ano mang paraan mula sa ma pulitiko. Huwag nilang sabihing ipinaglalaban nila ang idealism at kapakanan ng bansa at mga Pilipino dahil ang iwinawagayway nila ay BANDILANG PULA o KULAY NG KANILANG FINANCIERS! Kaya malinaw na ginagamit sila ng mg taong naghahangad na hindi magkaroon ng katahimikan ang bansa.

Hindi lang karunungan at yaman ang namamana ngayon kundi pati na rin puwesto sa gobyerno. Okey lang sana ito kung matitino ang mga nagmamana tulad ng ilang mga kilala ko. Subalit karamihan sa mga napaluklok sa puwesto ay gahaman. Negosyo ang turing sa pulitika sa Pilipinas dahil marami ang namumuhunan upang makapasok sa larangang ito. Kapag nanalo, gusto nilang makuha agad ang “return of investment” nila o ROI at ang pinakamadaling paraan ay mangurakot.

Ang 10% na pabiro kung banggitin sa mga usapan, na komisyon daw ng ILANG mga pulitikong nakaupo sa puwesto ay “standard” at “tolerable” kung totoo man. Ang ibang sumisipsip, sa halip na pera ang ibigay sa mga pulitiko ay idinadaan sa regalo….standard practice din yan, maski saang bansa. Subalit ang hindi maganda ay kapag lumampas na sa 10% na umaabot kung minsan sa 70%! Ang malalaking komisyon ay gumimbal sa buong bansa nang isiwalat ni Napoles noong siya ay imbestigahan sa senado. Nasa kulungan na siya ngayon at may mga pulitikong nakakulong din…at kung maaabsuwelto sila, panahon lang at kung sinong presidenteng nakaupo ang makakapagsabi.

Ang nakakabahala ngayon, sa kabila ng katapangan ni Duterte ay napapalusutan pa rin siya ng mga tiwaling opisyal ng gobyerno na naiimpluwensiyahan pa rin ng mga pulitiko….silang mga naghihintay sa pagbagsak o pagbaba niya, kung alin man ang mauna. Dahil may lahi yata ng hunyango ang mga karamihang ungas na pulitiko, papalit-palit sila ng kulay upang umangkop sa kung sinong presidente ang nakaupo sa Malakanyang.

Sa uulitin….ang pulitika sa Pilipinas ay para lamang sa may makapal na mukha at matibay na sikmura.

Ang Magagawa ng mga Pilipino

Kung Magtaasan ang mga Presyo ng Bilihin

Ni Apolinario Villalobs

Hindi kailangang malungkot kung nagtataasan man ang presyo ng mga bilihin. Maraming paraan upang makatipid, tulad ng sumusunod:

Para sa akin, hindi maganda ang ugaling paggastos habang mayroong nadudukot. Ang disiplina sa paggastos ng pera ay dapat pairalin sa loob ng tahanan upang matutuhan din ng mga anak. Mahalagang bagay ito dahil ang matututuhan nila ay maaari nilang ipamana sa kanilang mga anak, na magpapamana din sa kanilang mga anak, etc. Kung sa ganitong bagay man lang ay may disiplina ang mga Pilipino, mababawasan ang ingay na sanhi ng mga reklamo tuwing tataas ang mga bilihin, pero wala namang ginagagawa.

Sa isang banda, ang paggawa ng paraan upang mabawasan ang problema tuwing nagtataasan ang mga presyo ng bilihin ay hindi nangangahulugan na ititigil na ang pagbatikos sa mga opisyal na pabaya at korap….dapat ituloy pa rin upang malaman nila na hindi bulag ang mga Pilipino sa kanilang mga kabulastugan. Mag-ingay man laban sa mga tiwali, sabayan pa rin ito ng pagkilos at pagiging resourceful o mapamaraan upang mabawasan ang paghihirap na nararanasan. Hindi malulutas ng pag-iingay lang ang kahirapan…yan ang dapat tandaan!