RAIN OF FIRE

The truth and the evil
CESAR G. BONILLA

LAOAG CITY -- In every society, a significant minority are disabled, for various reasons: blindness, deafness, in-born or acquired physical defects, the latter because of accidents. Experience has shown that if there is enlightened policy, jobs according to their abilities and understanding and sympathy for our fellow citizens who are handicapped, disabled members of our society can lead useful and productive lives with dignity and self-respect without having to be mendicants and life-long dependents on society.

For there is nothing more demeaning and more hurtful to the dignity of a human being than having to beg for his subsistence and becoming a total dependent of friends and relatives. For a society to adjust to the needs of the disabled requires a decade, for it demands a change of mentality and change of attitude, changes not readily forthcoming in a short space of time.

It likewise means the willingness to go to extra lengths to provide means for the disabled to function normally through provisions of ramps in buildings and streets, special toilet facilities for their needs and extra equipment in public transportation vehicles for their getting on and off e vehicles without help. For the blind it means providing Braille readers and signs, recorded aural signals for their crossing streets among others and for the deaf, it means provisions of aides who can do sign language during radio and television broadcasts even for worship.

There should also be functioning traffic lights for the convenience of the deaf who might be exposed to mortal danger. Above all, it means schools where the disabled can be trained to survive in modern society and earn a basic education instead of being condemned to stay at home with little to do and with little provisions for their functioning as normally as possible in everyday living. ***
It would be better for someone to die a thousand deaths than to be blind forever to stupidity and greed. As a private person, I consider the battle cry of President Manuel L. Quezon, the leader and statesman, as the foundation of public service: “My loyalty to my party ends where my loyalty to my country begins.” Loyalty cannot be bought nor be a subject of compromise if someone has rational belief of something based on truth.

Talent and intelligence would be useless if you are spineless and indecisive in giving the right opinion if circumstances require steadfastness and resolute defiance of the crooked advocacy of evil. It would be better to stand for the right rather than to side with the wrong. The present crisis that the present administration is reeling from should not be taken lightly for this has something to do with morality and integrity.

It is a common knowledge that the Arroyo government is strong and mighty that no one can destroy its foundation -- not even the waning People Power and mass demonstrations. In fairness to the sovereign Filipino people, the government should realize that they are paying taxes and sacrificing themselves to work abroad as a domestic helpers and servants of foreign lords to the extent of being mistreated or maltreated. Are we ready for change or be martyrs forever to the greed, whims and caprices of gods and goddesses in power?

I would rather give my admiration to a child who fears being caught in the act of doing bad contrary to ethical and moral conduct. He can tell if he has done something bad like stealing or being hostile to others. If he has stupid followers trying to cover up his mistakes, he is humble enough to tell his misdeeds before he can be subjected to disciplinary action by his God-fearing parents. Being the head of Christians, government officials should do what is best for the majority.
***
Rev. Bucalen C. Saboy is a man of wisdom and common sense. Being a librarian of Northern Christian College, I wouldn’t miss giving him a copy of the Northern Philippine Times for him to become more updated with the burning issues around the country particularly in Region I. His article in the Community Collegian (College Organ of Northern Christian College), “Up High on Those Mountains” speaks of the truth about the so called discrimination against cultural minorities by the culturally civilized majorities.

No offense to civilized people or the Christianized majority, but sometimes our brothers and sisters in the mountains whom we considered inferior to us are more human in terms of leadership and solidarity. Not one of them, as far as I know, has been convicted of graft and corruption. I agree with the opinion of Rev. Saboy that in the eyes of God, all of us are equal. A mansion-dwelling man is not a good model if his riches originate from immoral and illegal sources. The mountain-dwelling man is more upright after all.
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Once again, the Northern Christian College has proven its high performance in licensure examinations when all of its fresh Midwifery graduates passed the midwifery licensure examinations, given by the Professional Regulatory Commission on Nov. 6-7 last year.

Christian B. Buduan, a BS Social Work cum laude graduate of NCC in Laoag City garnered the No. 3 rank in the social workers’ licensure examination given by the Board for social workers. NCC president Caesar 1. Agnir is a brilliant leader and efficient educator who is equipped with knowledge and experience to lead NCC. With the presence of Dr. Virginia Duldulao of Community Collegian, this institution of learning will be a beacon light for future leaders of our country.
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With regard to the ZTE scandal, there must be a proper forum in ventilating everything in seeking the “truth” being expounded by witnesses. Testimonies must be given credence but the honorable solons should also look at the credibility of individuals who appeared to be like Caesar’s wife.