Monday, October 27, 2008 Pangan: Positive development By Benjie R. Pangan At Close Range
SANS fanfare, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency or PDEA, headed by retired General Dionisio Santiago, is doing its mandated tasks.
Recently, elements of this agency, in coordination with the Mabalacat PNP headed by Chief Inspector Jovencio Flores and probably with the Dau Barangay officials led by Punong Barangay Marino "Atlas" Morales, Jr., raided a known lair of drug users and pushers in an area in Barangay Dau and they reportedly caught a “prominent” drug peddler along with his runners.
Apprised of the apprehensions, Mabalacat Mayor Marino "Boking" Morales reacted with a favorable statement, saying these are positive developments in the country's drive to curb, if not totally eliminate, the drug menace which victimizes mainly the youth sector. He added that the drug menace obstructs maximum development and growth of the youth, in particular, and the locality's drive for socio-economic sufficiency, if not excellence. True to form, he envisions a drug-free municipality which, he confidently proclaims, is on the brink of becoming the next city of the province of Pampanga.
Say, Mr. Mayor, what is the status of the cityhood drive? What has the Task Force Cityhood accomplished so far?
Mayor Boking, in his usual oratory, expounded on his effective alternatives to countermand the drug menace besetting his municipality: he argues that provision of access to education is one, livelihood is another and the inculcation of values and participation of family members of the drug victims are part of doable solutions to the gnawing malaise.
Citing specifics, Mayor Boking named Mabalacat College as the present centerpiece of his drive for educational access and excellence and, he says, is an effective tool to divert the youth's attention from harmful activities.
He then proceeded to cite Peso-Mabalacat as an effective and efficient unit of the Office of the Mayor in providing skills trainings and employment opportunities to the young labor force of the municipality.
"I am commending the PDEA team as well as the Mabalacat PNP headed by Chief Inspector Jovencio Flores for a job well done", said Mayor Boking, adding: "now the bad elements in our locality will feel the strong and close presence of law enforcers who will apprehend anybody who runs afoul of the law. Definitely, I do not, and will not, condone acts of illegal drug pushers and users in my territory".
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While at it, Mr. Mayor, kindly take time and give attention to the clamor for registration of transients and migrants from other areas like Northern Luzon, the Visayas and even Mindanao.
There are reportedly fugitives from the law who take shelter in Homesite, Dau, San Joaquin and other barangays of Mabalacat.
Why not implement prior restraint and registration cum documentation of newcomers to Mabalacat?
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I wish GM Romy Calara bon voyage on his trip to Laos today for an important engagement. Always an active campaigner for good water quality, Engr. Romy makes sure he does not miss important activities such as this one in Laos.
A busy bee, Engr. Romy makes a delicate balance between his duties as general manager of Angeles City Water District and president of the Philippine Water Works Association!
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Wake up call. See? Even the local officials who belong to the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (Ulap) and Leagues of Provinces, Cities and Vice Governors are now calling for unified action to counteract the international financial turmoil now entering its second month.
Now they acknowledge statesmanship as a means to unite the nation in these critical times and do away with squabbles that only tend to be divisive and counterproductive.
What about the impeachment complaints filed against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who has only about a year and few months left in office? Can she not be given the remaining time to accomplish what she swore to do at the onset of her term?
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We salute OFWs who are the modern-day heroes of our country in view of their steadfastness to stay and work overseas and send their paychecks to the country which sorely needs their remittances in order to shore up its foreign reserves.
