Of Filipinos maids and what have you

(This column appears in today's edition of the Leyte-Samar Daily Express)

Hi there! We’re in for another long weekend before another long weekend (parang redundant ‘no?), what with Araw ng Kagitingan being moved to April 6. So what is there to celebrate about kagitingan? Okey, I expect some quarters to give out speeches on love for country and the like. Well, I think I’ll say yes to that, especially so during these times, and nope, I’m not referring to the economic crisis, but Filipino-bashing again, this time thanks to Chip Tsao (But he has already apologized, or so said the news).

So what about him? Let’s not even start discussing, blaming or defending the government about the usual economic-mess-thus-no work-at-home-we-work-abroad stuff. The Chip Tsao feat is not the first and certainly not the last that we Filipinos will suffer. I am tempted to call it an occupational hazard (what am I saying?). Anyway, that’s on top of the racist attitudes that many nationalities are into or are born into. Suddenly I remember that email asking “What if one day all Filipinos didn’t show up for work?” Certainly, the world - from the U.N. to the Vatican - will turn upside down (Oops, mukhang naging o.a. ang reaction ko. Smile, it’s a weekend.) Seriously, it hurts but c’mon let them live in their own fantasy (or whatever) worlds. And whoever gets to sit as President of the country of Juan De La Cruz, many Filipinos will still go abroad to work. Let us find inspiration in the fact that the Filipinos cleaning toilets, doing the money market abroad or entertaining newly-weds and near-deads in cruise liners and hotels help make a difference in the lives of many Filipinos back home, Filipino-bashing notwithstanding. Do I have to mention that they help keep the Philippine economy afloat? And again, they will do that whoever gets to sit as President, well, at least in my lifetime.

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Exactly a week ago today, Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento was in Barangay Migara for an early morning graduation program. He was on hand for the First Commencement Exercises of the Migara High School (or officially the Migara Campus of the Calbayog City National High School).

It was no ordinary commencement exercises. Migara is an interior barangay of Calbayog. It is located in the Lower Happy Valley area of Calbayog (2nd) District. Opened during the first semester of school year 2005 - 2006, the Migara High School produced her first set of graduates which numbered 58. The pioneering class was headed by the Class Valedictorian Caroline Dumpit.

With Mayor Sarmiento were Calbayog City Schools Superintendent Editha Paculan and the Migara High School teaching staff headed by Karen Yu.

If plans will materialize, the said campus will be independent from the Calbayog City National High School by June 2009.

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DILG Calbayog recently conducted a special Conference on Peace and Security Concerns for the Punong Barangays of Calbayog City.

The activity was designed to enable participants to provide support in solving the problem on illegal drugs and substances abuse. It aimed at having the participants:

• Consider illegal drugs and substance abuse as a priority concern;
• Organize the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs) in their respective barangays;
• Monitor and report places in barangays where there is sale or use of illegal drugs and other substances;
• Coordinate with PDEA and PNP authorities in its operations against illegal drugs;
• Provide the necessary assistance and cooperation from operations to prosecution of illegal drugs cases.

Topics during the Special Conference were:

1. Peace and Security: A Priority Concern for the City of Calbayog;
2. Salient Features of RA 9165: Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002;
3. The State of Illegal Drug Use in the City of Calbayog;
4. MC No. 2009-09: Unified Action Against Illegal Drugs and Other Substances;
5. Organization of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils;
6. Message of Support from the Sangguniang Panlungsod

Discussants included Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, Vice Mayor Ronaldo Aquino, Calbayog Police Chief PSupt Lito T Bigoy, DILG Calbayog City Director Valente P. Bajet, CDAPRO’s Clarita Oliver and Ms. Cielito Adelaine Peñaflor.

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Courtesy Call. Yesterday, Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento received seven Police Commissioned Officers from Leyte and Eastern Samar. They are PInsp Alfredo A. Espina, PInsp Eric L. Leuterio, PInsp Glenn D. Petilla, PInsp Miguelito N. Bocade, PInsp Francisco A. Tupaz, Jr., PInsp Allan T. Novales, PInsp Michael N. Oraller.

They will be serving Calbayog as part of their Field Training Program from March 25, 2009 to September 30, 2009.

The Police Officers were accompanied by Calbayog Police Chief PSupt Lito Bigoy during the courtesy call.

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Belated birthday greeting to Fr. Jun Jungco, ofm (March 31) and Fr. Noel Labendia (April 1).

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Wedding Bells. Rommel Prudente and Shanta Montealto got married last Friday. The wedding mass was held at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Reception was at the Centennial Pastoral Center.

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This is it for now. Have a nice weekend everyone! Ciao!