Abra, the murder capital of the North?

REALITY check, the province of Abra becomes popular because of murder. “Barilan dito, barilan doon,” this is how people tag Abra. I cannot blame them because they seldom hear or watch good news about this place. For sure, it will be popular again because of the upcoming election.

As a son of Abra, I feel bad for the misconceptions and criticisms I hear when people ask me where I am from. People tend to judge me depending on what they hear, a war freak. Sometimes they don’t believe me when I say my province is also nice because of the stories they hear, saw and read. This is the most dangerous province in the North especially during election period, well I admit that politics is a very hot issue.

Others are even afraid to visit this province because of the fear of being victimized by stray bullets. This is how media built the name Abra, it’s now hard to erase, because first impression lasts.

I am not blaming the media and it is the right of the people to know what is happening. But, I would suggest that this province will also be promoted in terms of tourism so that the people may know its’ positive side. There are a lot of good things to look forward to; the very hospitable Abrenyos, green mountains and blue waters, delicacies and products. Sometimes I think it is unfair that we always watch, read and hear negative things about Abra. It is imbalance, unjust and degrading on my part as an Abrenyo.

Because of this circumstance, it is a part of my goal as a graduating student of Mass Communication to take the initiative and responsibility to rebuild the image of my beloved province. I believe that someday, Abra will also be a province that the Philippines can be proud of. Time will come, “Aarya muli ang Abra.” (Jeffrey Gallardo)