Monday, October 06, 2008 Pangan: Manoma By Benjie Pangan At Close Range
THE title of this piece alludes to "Makati, North of Manila," referring to the very ambitious plan of Mayor Marino "Boking" Morales to develop a 3,000-hectare property situated mainly at Barangay Tabun into a central business district (CBD).
Of course, he cannot do it single-handedly, but with the support and generosity of Delfin Lee's Globe Asiatique, a firm probably awash with cash and profuse with goodwill money and incentives, the massive project is now underway, with the former's veterinarian son-in-law doing the site dev work.
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Manoma. Unlike Trinoma or Myoma, this huge project will reportedly contain the P50 million new and spanking municipal hall building with a facade grander and more attractive than all the entrance gates of MetroGate combined and the 2,000-sqm floor area for two stories will house what is aimed to be a One Stop Shop instead of the present setup of the old main office at Barangay Poblacion and the annex at Marina Arcade Building in Dau, not to mention the other satellite offices scattered in different barangays.
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Manaya. With the CBD in the offing, Mabalaquenos will see the big leap from an erstwhile sleepy town proper to an active, busy commercial district. Manaya ka at manalbe, Balen, at akit mu ing daratang a asensu.
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Manigaral ka, Balen. Oops, the officials of this town should not overlook the needs and requirements of its education and health sectors. It would not seem well if the town gets an expensive hall, but the Mabalacat College and the other secondary and tertiary public schools get neglected, particularly the faculties' salaries and benefits and also their equipment.
Graduates from these schools should be trained to take over the aging officials of the local government. Who knows that one or two of them may become the next mayor or vice mayor? No one can tell.
Another important undertaking is the upgrading of public hospitals, clinics and rural health units. On these, the expertise and combined experiences of SB member Dr. Oscar Aurelio, Dr. Freddie Anunciacion and the husband-and-wife tandem of Drs. Manuel and Ma. Clara Aquino, could be tapped to improve on the delivery of medical (and dental) services to residents. This aspect, as one of the pillars of Mayor Morales' government should be seriously looked into and the needs seriously addressed. There is no substitute for a healthy populace, 'di ba, Doc Aurelio?
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The 16th International Conference and Exhibition of the Philippine Water Works Association will commence on Monday at the Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.
PWWA, an umbrella organization of the country's water districts, contractors, suppliers and other sectors, is headed by President Romy Calara and ably-assisted by Arnulfo Villania, Vice President (National), Engr. Bernardo Buenaventura, Vice President (International) and other officials and members of the Board such as Engineer Aquiles Zayco, Jr., who acts as the Convention Chairman. The affair is hosted by Malay Water District and the Region 6 Association of Water Districts.
The PWWA is accredited by the International Water Association (IWA), which is represented in this event by Paul Reiter, Executive Director.
On Day 2, October 7, DENR Secretary Jose Atienza, Jr., will be the guest of honor and speaker.
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I'd like to call the attention and prompt action of the Bayanihan Park management regarding the breach on the perimeter fence of the park fronting Jocson College, Inc. Vandals are starting to loosen the iron frame and soon, as what is happening to Abacan Bridge which grills are routinely stolen and bought by junk shops, there will be gaps in the said fence.
Last Sunday morning, I saw nomads jumping over the breached fence while others went through the gap. I thought security guards are posted at the park to deter vandals and other lawless elements from carrying on their illicit activities inside the promenaders' area? Paging Engr. Bien Mateo, please, sir.
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Belated birthday greetings go to good friend, Jerry Arenas of Aresun Trading and General Services. I'm sure his close buddies and well-wishers were in attendance like MacSalta and those coming from SM Pampanga and Clark.
