|
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Mapiles: 'Maria Sinukuan'
By Joel P. Mapiles
View from the bottom
KUDOS to all organizers of the Save and Restore Mt. Arayat Movement for the successful launching and planting of some 5,000 fruit-bearing and forest trees last July 8 in Mt. Arayat, a lone Central Luzon attraction. Maria Sinukuan is really proud and happy for the job well done.
However, the affair would be more successful and Maria Sinukuan would have been happier, I think, if Governor Mark Lapid, Mayor Chito Espino, and Representative Reynaldo Aquino showed up to personally address the major concerns and needs of this ecological and historic landmark of Pampanga.
Perhaps, these respected leaders failed to show up due to more important and valid reasons, be it personal or official. Let's give them the benefit of the doubt.
However, with their absence, Mt. Arayat is described as a body of land without a good "mark".
Anyway, congratulations to Governor Mark for successfully promoting "Batas Militar" to televiewers of Eat Bulaga and S-Files on the day he "paid no attention" to Maria Sinukuan. I thought he was represented by Board Member Dong Gonzales.
For me, the launching was almost complete but lacked the "spine" because the Arayat mayor failed to crack his jokes for the reason that he was not around.
Hence, this mountain in the third district has only a "ray" of hope that next time, she would be given priority by these big "trees".
The launching was also graced by leaders of other towns and provinces. Sayang di po ninyo nakita, kasi wala po kayo. Sana naroon kayo. Hinahanap po kasi kayo. Well, it's not too late, makakabawi din po kayo. Just visit the mountain. With your huge resources and networks, you could perhaps respond to her immediate needs. You are the right people who can help because I know you love Mt. Arayat more than anything else. Also, let's link our arms together to save and restore Mt. Arayat. It is a potential site for eco-tourism and could be developed as an international tourist spot.
To the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Municipal Government of Arayat: Did you know that there are more than 100 illegal occupants and informal settlers inside the Mt. Arayat National Park? They are living inside the park with their makeshift houses and "alagang manok at baboy". Definitely, they serve as eyesores to thousands of tourists and visitors of Maria Sinukuan. Let's save and restore Mt. Arayat, please! Maawa naman po kayo.
*****
Pampanga is known for its "Sinukuan" festival. Maria Sinukuan is being used for the popularity of the province. In return, as a good gesture and respect, please help restore her beloved sanctuary - Mt. Arayat. Through this, the province would become more popular as a tourist destination. It's just a suggestion that represents the sentiment of the people.
*****
May I ask the Provincial Government to consider the reestablishment of a Provincial Nursery in Mt. Arayat? It's a very good and ideal site. Take it or leave it. Anyway, it's simply a viable proposal that could help in your reforestation project and programs that could control natural disasters.
******
I was informed that the Pampanga Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) is proposing to conduct a "Disaster Workshop" in Boracay? The proposed workshop is a good move. I salute you. However, the venue is very expensive. It's a disaster if it is true. The PDCC is mandated to help mitigate and prepare for any eventuality or disaster and not to spend its funds for recreation and relaxation. I think the conduct of the workshop in Boracay is a great blunder and a disaster to the provincial coffers. Please think for the better and for the worse. I think this would be turned down by the approving authority. Hopefully sana pero balita ko irereset sa November. Balita lang.
*****
If you have any reaction or comments, you can contact or email the author at 0921-519-92-23 and joeley01@yahoo.com, or you may write a letter to the editor.
(July 18, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
