‘Pepeng’ an eye-opener

RAIN OF FIRE
Cesar G.Bonilla

LAOAG CITY -- Disaster preparedness is one of the primordial responsibilities associated with dynamic and active leadership of the Arroyo administration with special mention of the Department of National Defense headed by Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro.

Teodoro made an impressive performance as far as my own evaluation is concerned in disaster management after the onslaught of two strong typhoons. The Secretary coordinated operation of all agencies and instrumentalities of government to help victims.

Responsive to the new framework in the defense establishment, the defense department provides the needed balance within an institution that should not only use the power inherent in its creation but to protect the nation's integrity and security as an effective purveyor of peace, reform and reconciliation in the country.

With the leadership of Teodoro, the DND continues to hold on its role as a force to deter violence which disrupt or destroy foundations of society. The DND is ensuring stability of government to stop destabilizati from anti-government forces. The national commitment to internalize the creed of our defense department can hasten neutralization of criminal elements that continuously poses threat to tranquility of the State.
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We witnessed the fury of Typhoon “Pepeng” in the provinces of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. Since I had an expected tour from Oct. 6-8, I was determined to guide our visiting local and foreign tourists and help promote our tourism industry in Ilocandia even if the connecting flight was cancelled by Philippine Air Lines because of bad weather in Ilocos Norte.

It rained cats and dogs with unpredictable winds that caused much destruction to livelihood and the properties of Ilocanos. It was Oct. 7 when the tour started from Fort Ilocandia resort Hotel and Casino. I would like to thank Agnes Uy, Flordeliza de lara, Ma. Teresa Santos, Fr. Raymundo De Dios, and Wilfredo Enriquez for their patience amidst the storm.

We visited Malacanang of the North in Suba, Paoay. The Paoay lake caused damages to nearby houses because it overflowed and the people had no alternative but to evacuate rather than be trapped inside their residences with flood water continues to seek its own level along the main thoroughfare.

Howard Lee, the driver and the owner of the van, was resolute in showing more thrills by following what was stated in the itinerary. Some historical and noteworthy attractions in Vigan City have felt the unfortunate conditions that natural calamities might bring to different parts of Luzon.

My brother informed me they evacuated to nearby houses or in a gymnasium because the rising water level in Pangasinan destroyed the entire town intensified by release of water from the San Roque dam. The good caretaker and manager of the Crisologo Museum, Tita Remy, assisted the tourists with her innate friendly gesture and hospitality. The Baluarte's staff members were accommodating and respectful to visitors and so with Pagburnayan.

During the tour, our bodies quivered in the midst of strong winds and rain but our faith in the Divine Creator pulled us through.
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I would like to give recognition to Madam Gemma de la Cruz, my brilliant and energetic class adviser at Sta. Rosa Academy, for her devotion to God and excellent service in the field of education. A retired educator but not yet tired in giving help and counsel to her fellow Christians (of whom she is looked upon as trusted mentor and friend) Ma'am Gem had been an epitome of a virtuous Filipina.

I also would like to mention Penelope Andres, a talented nurse, and so with Angelica, achievers in the Architecture department of the Divine Word College of Laoag.
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The opposition has been divided in its quest for national leadership. The tandem of Senators Chiz Escudero and Loren Legarda can be a powerful force to reckon with. The selection of the right candidates to lead our nation is a Herculean task since it requires prudence and sound evaluation of their performance.

Popularity and family pedigree alone cannot substantiate ineptness of vision appurtenant to the reconstruction and rebuilding of our national identity as Filipinos. The burden of choosing the right candidate to the presidency is a challenge due to past experiences we had as a recipients of dismal performance that our supposed leaders who should have duly provided for the welfare of constituents.

We are skeptical on who can lead us well the coming years. God save the Philippines.
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Giving relief goods to all victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng must be done giving priority to the less privileged and marginalized segments of our society. The donations given by philanthropic donors deserve much credit for they contributed a lot to alleviate the hardship and miseries of our hapless countrymen.

Those who are gaining much profit out of the miseries of the victims are unchristian and opportunists who should be condemned and meted the right penalties. We must change our ways, both moral and spiritual, to reap God's forgiveness. Corruption in implementation of vital infrastructure projects should also be stopped. Our deepest sympathy to the victims and their families.