Sungduan: Healing

NOW that the election is over, it’s time to “begin healing” as appealed by presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte’s call for national healing and reconciliation was followed by a concession speech by presidential candidates Grace Poe and Mar Roxas.

Here in Baguio City, healing started with the immediate posting of acceptance of defeat from aspirants who did not make it in the May 2016 polls though the use of social media. For his part, re-electionist Congressman Nicasio Aliping Jr. accepted loss by shaking hands with winning candidate Mark Go during Comelec’s proclamation of winners at Baguio Convention Center.

The big challenge now is whether the elected officials will keep their campaign promises and put their political platforms into reality.

In this highly urbanized city also known as the summer capital city, one very important program that should continue with the needed support from the newly elected officials adjoining the metropolis is the BLISTT concept already started by Mayor Mauricio Domogan.

BLISTT which stands for Baguio La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay is a concept that aims to promote economic development in the said areas. The idea started in 1990 right after the 1990 killer earthquake.

According to City Councilor Isabelo Cosalan Jr., even the business community plays a great role towards the realization of the BLISTT economic development. In his inspirational message during the 41st Induction of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Baguio Benguet Chapter Inc. on April 30 he challenged the new set of officers headed by President Modesto Imayaho Sr., and the newly inducted members to be involved for the realization of the concept.

“We need the rest of society towards developing Baguio City and the surrounding municipalities. The newly inducted officers need to be involved. One factor of good governance is participatory,” Cosalan said.

Another important concern is for the protection of the environment. Dole-CAR regional director Narthaniel Lacambra who grew up in Baguio said more efforts should be done to make the city a more livable place.

May the new set of elected officials truly represent their constituents and make a difference as leaders.

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