A little light

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

Roger D. Sinot Sr. 

After total darkness comes the light. And even how faint that light may be, we can be sure that the little light can give us direction.

We try harder to reach the little light no matter what it takes, if only to steer clear from darkness and danger. We reach for the little light regardless of heights and cliffs, become persistent and take risks to follow the little light that gives us direction.

I consider the Ibaloi candidate for Baguio mayor, Atty. Jose “Jomol” Molintas, as the little light, but a guiding light for all, not only for the Ibalois in the former City of Pines that has become a city of illegal structures, courtesy of the present leadership.

           

After reading articles about the Ibalois, it drove me to call attention on this culture in accordance with what I have heard from my late beloved mother Feliza. She said, many Ibalois are shy and to a certain extent, ashamed of doing bad things against the public, and are not afraid to stand for what is right and for the truth.

They are generally simple whose ambitions are not to be confused with selfish motives and personal desires, but for the common good. They are a Christianized tribe whose beliefs are based on good principles and not on personal preferences.

Then my mother continued saying, Ibalois were the stewards of these lands, the “banbantays” in Baguio, the hills we now know as Aurora Hill, Quezon Hill, Cabinet Hill, Quirino Hill, Luneta Hill, Leonila Hill, etc.

They are a patient and calm tribe, not necessarily shy as to mean “ignorant,” but they are tolerant and understanding. The Ibaloi gives anyone the benefit of the doubt the second time around “urayibadek da sakana.” 

The beauty of being an Ibaloi is being brave – brave enough to fade and walk away from an unnecessary fight. To be shy is in the culture and remains to be even in Benguet Cowboys.

So that, whatever we do and wherever we go, we will still be Ibalois. Shyness is trapped in the character as the latter is trapped in the culture. But although our thoughts may be divided and opinions differ, let us be one in politics, especially at a time when a fellow Ibaloi is fighting for a seat here in Ibaloi land. The Ibalois in Baguio may be physically scattered around, but I believe we are not divided.

May 13 is judgment day. A vote for Joe Molintas is a vote for an Ibaloi. A vote for JoMol is for a better Baguio. Be proud and Go vote for an Ibaloi. Let the little light shine, and allow it to continuously shine for Baguio.

And since May is also the Indigenous Peoples month, let us unite for a common cause and be a part of a new chapter in the history of Baguio – that of having an Ibaloi mayor who will be mayor for everyone. Include also the other Ibaloi candidates in your list of councilors – Peter Fianza, Poppo Cosalan, Pops Carantes and Peter Wasing.

I have reasons why I am voting for certain people, especially those who can fight for the sentiments of the marginalized. For example, landowners of nearby Tuba town who are affected by the operations of the city-owned Asin hydro-electric power plants have yet to receive the rentals that were stipulated in a MOA three years ago. Many landowners are slowly dying of old age or sicknesses but have yet to be paid for allowing the use of their lands by the city.

Now, why should we put people back to city hall? An election is like going for a bath or shower where one prepares the things he needs like soap and towel. After bathing, do you put on the same dirty clothes or wear fresh or newly washed clothes? Go vote on May 13 but be wise. Be sure to vote and be able to slip into newly washed clothes. In short, vote for change. Happy trails to all! - RDS