Visiting scenic Mt. Province

BEHIND THE SCENES
Alfred P. Dizon
(Angel C. Baybay writes this week’s column)

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Not only scenic views make people come to the province. To some, the culture of peace and oneness readily attract them to embrace this province as their second home. Such were the reasons why high profile people take time to visit the province and escape the rustling city life even for a couple of days.

Recently, Court of Appeals associate justice Erlinda Uy, Commission on Elections Commissioner Leonardo Leonida, and Col. Pascual Gatan with their wives and grand children were in town to “refresh and recharge.”

“Of course we always hear from our friends the beauty of the place like the caves of Sagada and the majestic rice terraces but when we came here, we found more reasons that made our stay more memorable. The moment we stepped inside the Mount Data hotel, the feeling of comfort swept over me because of the hospitality of the personnel. There was warmth all over despite the chilling temperature and the rainy weather,” remarked associate justice Uy in her message during a dinner tendered by the provincial government.

The show of oneness and cooperation among the people during difficult times caught Comelec Commissioner Leonida by surprise. Their recent travel to Bontoc from Mount Data made him taste the unique display of solidarity among the people. “It was raining hard and we were advised that there were slides along the way but I convinced my companions to continue our drive down to the capital town.

There were indeed slides in many portions of the road but these were immediately opened by bulldozers and countless individuals who volunteered their hands. I know the governor may have given orders but seeing people going out of their homes in a show of concern to motorists despite the inclement weather was overwhelming. It demonstrates how people respect their leaders. It speaks of a culture which should be preserved and passed on to next generations,” the commissioner said.

A lawyer and peace-keeper by profession, Gatan was impressed by the generally peaceful state of the community. I have been to many parts of the country and what I saw here makes me think if there is still a reason to deploy policemen here. Anyone could stay out any part of the day without any threat of possible harm,” the army colonel observed.

But what really surprised him was what he saw when he first visited the province. “The parish priest introduced me to the governor after the mass and I really could not believe what I saw. The governor was driving a car all by himself without any body guard. In other places, even barangay officials have enlisted some people to secure themselves when they go to public places,” Gatan related.

Gov. Maximo Dalog thanked the visitors for taking time to visit the province. “We feel privileged that you have come and see for yourselves the real situation of our province and people. We also hope that you will share to other people your experiences in the hope that they will realize that just like all other Filipinos, Igorots are part of the same human race,” Dalog said, obviously still feeling the sting of what an actress had uttered.

The visitors promised to come back with friends.