Wednesday, December 24, 2008 Limlingan: Apu Ric Rivera By DP Limlingan The Advocate
LAST Saturday, I had the chance to dine with Ricardo "Apu Ric" Rivera, the ever down to earth municipal mayor of Guagua, Pampanga. It was the Christmas Party of the Sangguniang Kabataan of that town. It was a festive mood among the youth or should I say, young breed of politicians. We know for a fact our lives as Filipinos won't be made complete without every corner of the nation merry making with yuletide parties. While we do not qualify to be with the same level of age as theirs, we nevertheless enjoyed their company.
As the party went on, I chatted with Mayor Rivera and asked as to what is Christmas for him. Instantly, he said that Christmas for him means giving one's self to the service of others. Maybe sounding political but I claim that it is indeed Apu Ric's personality to give himself for others.
At this point, many local officials are experiencing flu in their pockets. Others, are hiding while their "sukis" patiently wait for them. Retainers are a tradition in every provincial Capitol or municipal halls I believe. Be that as it may, I can see many of our cabalens, most of them familiar faces, frequently visiting offices seeking financial assistance for every endeavor. I heard one time a "suki," that time begging for some cash so she would watch the movie of her favorite actress in a mall. While others are real in desperately begging for some spot amount, many are also real in making their visits to local officials as their regular business making activity. You'll find it amusing that some carry the amount they beg.
One time I was at the office of a vice mayor friend. He had a visitor who alleged to be a resident of a barangay of that town. When I asked her the name of their punong barangay or any barangay official she might be familiar with, she failed to say even a slight description of their purok leader. I felt a different feeling when she has mistaken me to be their vice-mayor. I'm a felt lucky with the fact that my friend is not a target of an assassination plot, or I might have been the mistakenly identified target.
While some or many are now hiding away from the public, I go back to Apu Ric's story. He told me that he will be holding office until the last working day of the year. He caught my admiration. He continued saying that while some local officials hibernate, perhaps due to the slightly colder weather, he prefers to stay in his office and attend to the needs of his constituents. He told me that this time is the most crucial time to somehow extend a little cash to those in need especially this Christmas season. He proudly told me "walang nasi-zero" as he shells out a little of what's left in his pocket.
Apu Ric is not only a politician. He is a real-time public servant as well. Our conversation was complemented by another "workhorse" of Guagua town, the meek yet active vice mayor Anthony "Tonton" Twano. Their team work was the key to the town's boom. Guagua is the central business hub of the 2nd District. As a part-time resident there, I witnessed as a growing up kid, the industry of the people and their expertise on commerce and trade.
I was touched by Apu Ric's statement that while people are busy nowadays with lots of activities, he won't be remiss in his job as a public servant. He too has a lot of personal things to do he jokingly said but seriously followed up his statement that the people needs him and his hands-on care for the people of Guagua.
As we were about to end our brief talk, he tapped my shoulder as he whispered, Christmas is not only about giving money or gifts. It is about giving one's self fully to others. I nodded to show my agreement. He patterned himself with the "give until it bleeds principle" and that is his way of showing to people the other meaning of the Jesus' birthday.
I extend to one and all my yuletide greetings. May we live up to the real meaning of Christ's birth. Merry Christmas to everyone!
