AFTER writing a series of stories from Surigao del Norte, I decided to offer a new blend, durian in taste if not the burning issues of the day from Davao region.
But my grateful pen cannot simply ignore the exceptional accommodation and hospitality Surigaonon style we enjoyed in our recent trip to Surigao City for an exit conference with the governor and the teacher who recently transferred to Davao City.
Our short visit to the capitol became even shorter, remarkable, fruitful and unforgettable with the assistance of Atty. Premolito Plaza, the provincial administrator of Surigao del Norte and her staff Arian Grace Begelia.
Atty. Plaza is a kind of public servant who in life is a reflection of the governor's soft heart to service regardless of either constituent or not.
I wish to put in words how it feels to meet Gov. Sol Matugas for the first time. Cordiality, however, brushed off trepidation.
The action-oriented governor ordered Atty. Aimee Faith Egay, the provincial legal officer, to safeguard the sanctity of the victim's testimony. I am so grateful to the lady lawyer for sharing her legal expertise.
Gov. Matugas, herself, was once an ordinary classroom teacher. Her performance made her way to a top regional post in DepEd. As a teacher by profession, needless to mention that the hardships, sacrifices, and challenges where the major chapters of her career.
Today, the once an education frontliner becomes a political kingpin of the province. Her guiding post in public service can be summarized in two words, “selfless service.”
With her stint of personalized, instant and irreversible service to the public, I am fully convinced that a seat in congress is attainable, only if she would listen to the resounding clamor of her constituents to represent the second district comes 2019 midyear election.
And, only then she could sponsor a bill to amplify the call to protect the vulnerable countryside teachers.
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