Monday, December 04, 2006 Mongaya: Crunch time By Anol Mongaya Panahom
PEOPLE involved in the hectic preparation for the coming 12th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) have begun doubling efforts as we enter the last week before the heads of states start arriving.
Given the opportunity by friends to have a glimpse (the guys gave vivid descriptions) of what’s happening inside, I concluded that everybody have gone out of their way to ensure that everything would be in place this week.
Noteworthy was the public cooperation in the extraordinary traffic dry run carried out Friday. I would just add my unsolicited voice to the plea for a more intensive information drive on the alternative roads when the ceremonial route is closed.
I’m glad the new streetlights along the ceremonial route are already in place. I’m anxious to see these all lighted.
Meanwhile, key customs personnel in Mactan dragged themselves back to the office during the Dec. 1 holiday just to process the papers of computers and laptops that arrived late Thursday so these could be installed right away at the International Media Center at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).
On the other hand, over 200 students from schools in Mandaue City painted 75 rooftops in the urban poor community behind the CICC last Friday as part of the “Hand for Asean” program of City Hall consultant Jonkie Ouano. The guy, who plans to succeed his father Mayor Teddy Ouano, has begun showing his potential.
Another group gathered yesterday afternoon in Mactan and rushed to fill up thousands of bags that would serve as kits for the delegates as well as journalists covering the summit.
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Contrary to the wishes of detractors, the CICC was completed and turned over to the National Organizing Committee. Well, there may be some hitches like the delay in the installation of computers but overall, we can now say that Gov. Gwen Garcia was able to deliver on her promise.
I understand the CICC will be the venue for the grand opening with all the heads of states headed by President Arroyo present. This should answer brickbats that the CICC would not be used for any summit activity.
The formal events will be at the CICC, I was told. However, President Arroyo reportedly wants a more informal atmosphere during discussions among the heads of states. Thus the resort ambiance in Shangri-la Resort Hotel and nearby venues was preferred for many of the sessions.
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I hope the Shangri-la management already fixed the broken sound system at the parking area. The drivers of the official vehicles should be able to hear immediately when they are needed lest the delay will have its ripple effect on the flow of traffic along the ceremonial route.
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Local educators should heed the recommendations of two stalwarts in Philippine education for the development of Bisaya. Dr. Jose Abueva and Dr. Francisco Nemenzo, former presidents of the University of the Philippines, pushed for the use of Bisaya in arts and schools during a symposium by “Dalit Bisaya” of the University of San Carlos.
I particularly agree in the use of Bisaya as medium of instruction in primary schools where the students grew up in the mother tongue. The students, I’m sure, will perform better.
One of my daughters, for example, went through the Waldorf system (which was first used in Germany) during her kindergarten days and one of its principles was the use of the mother tongue as medium of instruction. Her batch of students fared very well when they proceeded to study in exclusive schools during their elementary years.
(superbalita@sunstar.com.ph or anol.blogs.friendster.com/anols_blog)
