WE FILIPINOS will again exercise our rights to decide and choose our leaders who will compose both legislative and executive functions of the country and we hope that this exercise in May will lead to a proclamation of righteous leaders who can bring progress and development to the nation.
While mulling on what to write after spending past days with our dear mother who joined her creator after Christmas, I thought of writing or listing wishes for the upcoming year and so on my social media account, I asked for friend’s wish lists.
Lavon Mayo responded “Stop building structures and stop selling Baguio land with the Ayala. 2. Leave the grounds alone, kids who are active with outdoor activities will no longer have fields to play with. We all know that a new hospital is about to rise and a field where kids play and practice soccer will be used 3. We need someone who has a heart for public service and try to resolve the recurring issues we have in Baguio.” Emsie Ambatcan wrote “Plant more pine trees, Put more trash cans in every corner especially with in the city. No spitting everywhere...lalo na ang momma...Lardizabal did it before...so it can be done again,” Xiaomi said.
Xiaomi added “Stop the Muslims invading the city.”
My personal wish is for Baguio City officials to seriously look into the growing problems of traffic congestion, narrow barangay roads caused by over-extending residential structures and fences, electric posts that may cause road obstructions and other concerns on space maximization because the city is really densely populated.
I live within the university belt and holy circles of Holy Ghost Proper and Holy Ghost Hill and there are a lot of traffic choke points that can be remedied only if the road-right-of-way and sidewalks be given more space.
I frequently pass by Laurel Street and there is a narrowed road curve caused by a roadside concrete walkway beside a seemingly abandoned structure. There is also a blackened electric post at the sloping part of the street that may pose danger to approaching vehicles.
In a community where most of the men and women at the local government unit are left brained politicians, artists are not really involved in matters of decision making and it appears that the treatment of the Creative City branding by Unesco to Baguio is seen as a tourism and revenue boosting program.
How I also wish that developers look into the wider scope of the BLISTT concept that includes the integrated development plan of Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay often referred to as Metro Baguio which shouldn’t be seen as a plan for the said city alone.
Our creative sector is not fully represented and how I wish that an arts council composed of representatives of the seven arts be involved in decision making in city programs or at least heard during council sessions as part of the Sanguniang Panglungsod. Our creative group, especially the Pasa-Kalye Creatives whose members recently signed our papers of incorporation papers would be very much willing to be part of the art events in the city and I also wish that local residents consider nominating and electing artists, craftsmen and artisans in future electoral exercises.
On the departure of my Nanang Leonila “Oning” Pang-ot Tibaldo who recently left us at the age of 84, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all those who prayed, expressed condolences, sympathy, sent flowers, gave material and monetary support, love and affection during our times of bereavement. Agyaman Kami Unay Apo!
Here’s wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!