I WANT to call him “Inggo.” In the past three local elections, he ran for councilor as an independent candidate. What made him special? He is a native delicacy vendor (snacks seller).
He started his sharing with a smile, “I thought I would win as councilor because people know me as someone who is friendly and sometimes I am just giving my "kalan-unon" for free to children.” He continued, “Some councilors do not have dreams for their hometown. I want this place to be an urban center where everyone is happy.”
Perplexed by his statement, I asked, “What are your dreams?” He gave me a direct answer. “I simply want all elected officials to go around and see why many people do not have work. I want them to observe how poor people live. They have to know the kind of food eaten by people who are in poverty.”
“I want them to go to the hacienda to see the houses of the laborers and the sacadas. The owners of the haciendas and our elected officials should make a program for the survival of the workers. Many of the children of the hacienda workers are sick and malnourished.”
“If I won, I could have invited the councilors to go around and see the streets if they are dirty. We will get inside the market and listen to the problems of the vendors and the complaints of the buyers. Councilors should go around and see the situation of school children in congested classrooms. Teachers cannot make them bright because they are busy filling up forms.”
“There are drug users around. I want the priests, the pastors, the nuns, the barangay officials and the non-government organizations to help. Policemen have to work harder because their salary can support two to three wives. We should not plant trees if we cannot watch them grow. Instead, we have to stop cutting trees.”
“As a councilor, I will pass an ordinance teaching good manners and right conduct to parents so that they can teach their children to be better citizens. I want to be the chairman of the committee on women. There should be an ordinance to further empower the women so that they can educate and discipline their husbands. Good husbands will make this government good.”
That morning, I consumed four cups of coffee. “Inggo” delighted me with his story. He almost reminded me of my best friend who is now enjoying in the great beyond.