Icon of democracy

RAIN OF FIRE
Cesar G. Bonilla

LAOAG CITY – Ablan Day will be a non-working holiday in Ilocos Norte. It seems that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be the guest of honor and Speaker during this momentous event.

I remember when this humble writer was given the privilege to interview GMA during her visit of the windmill farm in Barangay Baruyen, Bangui, Ilocos Norte. To my amazement, she was very fluent in English and Ilocano. I asked questions and she had composure and patience even to ordinary people like me.

I also interviewed the First Gentleman while he was invited as guest of honor and speaker during sports festival in Ilocos Norte. He was kind and respectful to everyone. May the visit of GMA during Ablan Day provide us opportunity to know her ideas and projects in her last year as chief of staff of all the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Welcome Madam President!.
***
Poverty is not an obstacle to success. This is the guiding rule of a decent and intelligent educator like Dr. Ernesto Cadiz. He gave me a book, Aweng, an anthology of Ilocano poems and short stories written by veteran writers of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.

Dr. Cadiz was born in Cadaratan, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte. He graduated valedictorian in Cadaratan Elementary School and cum laude in Bachelor of Arts in 1959.He took up educational administration, public administration and sociology at the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1971-1972.

He finished his doctorate degree (Doctor of Philosophy) at Centro Escolar University in Manila in 1975.While he studied in Manila, he worked as researcher in the department of anthropology and in the Institute of Philippine Studies at UP Diliman in 1973-1974.

He is a distinguished professor of Mariano Marcos State University and dean of the graduate school of Northern Christian College. This great son of Bacarra, despite his success in the educational field remains humble and approachable. He is a precious jewel in the academe.
***
The death of former President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino, the widow of the slain Sen. Benigno Aquino, Sr., shocked the whole nation. The late president was a prime mover and advocate of democracy for she started the new chapter in our political history after the fall of the brilliant Ilocano leader, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

Regardless of some negatives in her administration, the positive achievements of President Cory outweigh everything for democracy. There is always a room for reconciliation specially among the two well-known families, the Marcoses and the Aquinos.

Two of the Marcos children, former congresswoman Imee and now congressman Bongbong, surprised the crowd when they visited the Manila Cathedral to commiserate with the Aquino family.

Is this an indication that they can patch up their political difference and that reconciliation and peace would be obtained? The civility and hospitable attitude of the Aquino family especially Ballsy and Pinky were highly appreciated. If members of the media can set the tone for peace and reconciliation between the two popular political families, maybe full reconciliation is possible.

Our country until is divided because of politics. Enough with persecution of the late Ilocano president. Let us unite our political leaders in such a way that a brighter day for our country will come. Let us be like President Cory, a woman of simplicity, with an extraordinary heart that bleeds for the poor and marginalized Filipinos.

She walked with the masses whenever a burning issue affecting our democracy was raised when it threatened our freedom. Now that she is gone, the place of President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino in the annals of our political history won’t be forgotten. May the loving hands of our Almighty God receive her soul. Goodbye, our beloved President.
***
The first Philippine president of the Commonwealth, Manuel L. Quezon, died in the same day, August 1, the day when the first woman president died. Quezon died in Saranak Lake,New York on August 1,1944. Very few remember the significance of August 1.
***
The acquaintance party and oath taking ceremony of officers of the Central Board of Students of Data Center College of the Philippines was a success.

Present during the occasion was respected president of DCCP Joseph D. Sicco. Integrated Bar of the Philippines president of Ilocos Norte and Laoag City Chapter Atty. Richard Tumaneng was also there with dean of criminology department and guest of honor and speaker Dr. Marcelo L. Montanio, vice-president for academic affairs Dr. Vicente A. Bonoan, the vice-president for academic affairs Nenita Respicio, administrator Arlene Coloma, Dr. Ernesto Cadiz, Efren Valdez, the head of student affairs, Prof. Leonardo Blas, Cathy Coloma-Asencion, assistant librarian, staff and members of the faculty.

Our thanks to the Chairman, Engr. Wilfredo M. Bactad for his support. I would like to share the space of this column to recognize the friendship of my former and current students in Humanities namely: Jeffrey Fortes, Mark Ian Abrias, Apple Joy Aurelio, Carlos Flores, Angeline Agabunti, Romelyn Acoba, Sheila May Corcino, Lovely Ann Cabugon, Jennifer Fernandez, Criselda Coloma, Rizza Joy Lemon, Beverly Joy Cariaga, Geslene J. Pablo, Mary Richelle Andres, Gil Ann Sambrano, Marjorie Garana, Jessica Bermus, Nancy Taborada, Mark Dominic Bernal, Jastine Mary Asencion, Aldrin Ramos and all whom I fail to mention.

These students were innovative and resourceful. They had humility and discipline even if sometimes I pressured them in their classes. With sincerity, I would like to congratulate the CBS officers and board of directors under the leadership of Edison Montoya, Jr, president; Ria Caldoza, vice-president,Clarence John Batara, deputy vice-president; Deonyfer Almazan, secretary; Charmaine Asis, treasurer; Mary Althine Piedad, assistant treasurer; Ma.Theresa Solsoloy, auditor; Jo Ann Alupay, PRO; athletic ,anagers Jackielou Pastor and mark Neil Fernandez, board of directors Reyalyn T.Aggasid and Juvilyn Lucas.
***
The Gertes Clinic and Hospital owned and managed by medical practitioner Dr. Geminiano Gertes is well-known in Ilocos Norte. I met several nurses like Hazel Juan where a classmate in high school used to have his general check-up. The kindness and accommodating attitude of Dr. Gertes is the secret why many Ilocanos seek his services as a doctor. More power to Gertes Clinic and Hospital.