I always respect Negrosanon intelligent voters, the conscience block, and those who are voting because of their commitment to their favored candidates. I also admire the candidates who have abandoned their comfort zones in the name of public service.
We do not discount also the role of Negros royalty in the development of the electoral process. Any “a fuera” in Negros politics may not understand the “eidos” of Negros home-grown ward heelers. The “a fuera” may underestimate the tie that binds among the royalty. The “a fuera” may always want to ride in two or more horses. That could be his downfall. Negros royalty can count only on loyalty, commitment, and dedication.
Secretary Mar was here not just to deliver the copy of EO 183 to Governor Freddie and to meet the sugarcane planters on the good news but also to see the latest reaction of Negros leaders in the fulfillment of Negros Island Region. The gathering at the Capitol Building was a show of force (political allies, family friends, sugarcane planters’ associations, political advisers).
From the faces of those who were there, we could see the excitement of longing for a president who could put Negrosanon dream into reality. An Ilonggo-speaking president could be easily understood by our “hombre de calle” and “mamumugon.” I am sure that Secretary Mar will listen to our “jornaleros” because his family owns farms.
The gathering at the Social Hall includes a shopping list of personalities of those who will be supporting Governor Freddie in his dream of strengthening the Negros First program. New faces have new vibrations (also aspirations) for possible political seats after the 2016 elections. Actions are more visible than words.
Politicians who are not aware of Negros culture but have decided to engage in Negros politics may find it difficult to understand the role of royalty and the collaboration taking place.
Negrosanons (genuine only) always consider a cultural perspective – sense of self and communal identity, social values and virtues. Mrs. Judy Araneta Roxas knows that; and Secretary Mar knows that, too.
One is politically correct and culture-sensitive when one puts multiculturalism and cultural tolerance into words and action. The Aranetas of Negros (since the Nov. 5, 1898 revolution) have achieved cultural independence (as manifested by Gen. Juan Araneta) by having the strength and maturity to select what they want or need from the past, the present, and the projected future.
Secretary Mar is a scion of Araneta and Roxas. His father, Gerardo Roxas, was a man of honor. His records as senator were not tainted by graft and corruption. His Lolo President Manuel Roxas was into rehabilitation and reconstruction of our country after the war of liberation. He was responsible for the parity rights. He opened the operations of public utilities and businesses in the country.
Secretary Mar has the courage and nationalism of the Aranetas. The Roxas blood makes him versant in public service. He is not a presidential candidate yet. He has to make his destiny. His political handlers should figure out that he should be a sanguine leader with exaltation. That cultural image is important.
Politics is one thing. Negros cultural politics is another thing and it is the only thing for Negros. We don’t want “a fuera” pseudo politicians to trade their “realpolitik” in our backyard.