WE WOULD like to congratulate Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia, his officials, the work force, the Philippine National Police, the provincial officials, and the local government units (LGUs) involved in the hosting of 15th Meeting of the (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Asean Senior Officials Responsible for Information.
The two-day event required our local organizers a long period of time to prepare to come up with excellent output that socially showcases what our city could offer. The question that follows is on sustainability.
Visitors and delegates who were here in Bacolod during the event were fascinated. In tourism, we call it “showcasing.”
Even Silay City Mayor Mark Golez sent his staff at the airport to assist the Bacolod team in welcoming the guests at the arrival area. Airport manager Mecine Reyes and her full force were there to see to it that everything should be in perfect timing. The land side and the air side of the airport were in tight security. Our policemen were in their spectacular movement based on their Oplan: Asean. The performance is really commendable … just like in a show.
All roads going to Bacolod have festive atmosphere. In Silay, Mayor Golez displayed a welcome signage showing the faces of all public officials. It looks like “getting-to-know-each-other.” At least those who landed at the airport would know that they landed in Silay, the “seat of arts, culture and tourism.” I hope the tarp will stay there after the event.
Even Bacolodnons were surprised by the physical landscape of their city. Traffic flow improved and many traffic enforcers in red could be seen in strategic places as if they know what they are doing (unlike in the past weeks). The sidewalks have been cleared and the garbage disappeared. Loading and unloading areas were strictly monitored although I have observed that some drivers of brand new cars seem to ignore our traffic enforcers. I doubt if they can read English.
There was a change of heart in the plaza area. “Familiar faces” disappeared (pickpockets, snatchers, and “damas de noche”). I could attest to that because I accompanied also a group of visitors. I was amused (others also) by our policemen headed by Senior Supt. Rolando Miranda, the chief of Regional Directorial Staff of Police Regional Office 18. The team faced a group who staged a rally spearheaded by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Negros. The protest action headed by Secretary-General Christian Tuayon was peaceful.
The speakers were good and their speeches were centered on social justice, political upheavals, peace and order, poverty, human rights violations, among others. The policemen in Roman phalanx formation served as a good audience. They could have learned a lesson not learned in the police academy and not included in their Criminology classes. The scenario reminded me of Vilma Santos movie, “Sister Stella L”. The more or less 200 policemen had enough of food for thought.
In contrast, the SMX Convention center provided a cool venue and a smiling welcome from Mayor Bing to the delegates who were there in their convention attire. Secretary Ismael Sueno of the Department of Interior and Local Government was there to have his official functions and to represent President Digong. The delegates were entertained by the Masskara dancers.
It was good business for SM Bacolod and “pasalubong’ items were selling like hotcakes. Other delegates went out hunting for other items, not just hot cakes. Money circulated in Bacolod and it was jackpot for the hotels where the guests stayed. It was good promotion and very good income. Some taxi drivers benefited also. Asean delegates wanted to know also Bacolod by night. They are just human beings and they want to taste Bacolod food, not just the hotel food.
Silay City is very lucky to have accommodated Asean delegates in “hacendero snacks” at German Unson Residence with countryside music from our Kabataang Silay Rodalla and folk dancers. We showcased also the best of Silay “pamahaw” other than lumpia ubod, pili square, piaya, dulce gatas, guapple pie, and buko pie. Silay reminded them of a dwelling where life is sweet and the past is forever.
Hosting Asean is good. It has made our place a nest of civilization. We challenge our leaders to make it real after Asean. It was not just a showcase but it could be a start of having it permanently for good. We have to continue what we did in Asean. If we cannot do it, we do not deserve to belong to the Asean.
