When people stop communicating

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO

By March Fianza

One reason why there are cases of people suffering from the pain of feeling misunderstood and depressed is when they are suddenly barred from expressing their thoughts. This comes when one side abruptly stops accepting messages from the other side who is left hanging and wondering why he or she is not getting any contact through previously open and active communication streams.

This hurts because the lonesome and offended party has to hold back the pain day in day out as he manages stress brought about by suspicions why for no apparent reason, an abrupt communication stoppage occurred. He or she also has to deal with confusions, misconceptions and conclusions that have yet to be proven. Having “pain for breakfast” everyday really hurts.

Relative to this is the case of Baguio ancestral land claimants who are left to fend for their rights minus the assistance of concerned agencies. The timid Ibaloy who is not used to following up papers in government offices is simply resigned to absorb the hardships he encounters in processes that he thought would run smoothly.

In an effort to interview land claimants, most if not all said that they never received letters or any form of communication from the agencies that were authorized to assist them process their papers. Communications have stopped, so that they are in a dilemma as to the status of their land claims.

One has to physically spend days, months and years in following up papers in offices – tasks that rob them of precious time from their work. Hence, if they do not have the luxury of time to waste at the concerned offices, their papers will surely collect dust on the shelves.

Another case that is wanting of communications is the concept about the creation of the BLISTT (Baguio-La Trinidad Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay) district. Today, it is being announced to the world that the “friendly” Benguet towns can be tapped as sources for the bulk water project of Baguio that will solve the water requirement needs of an increasing city population. While this is being informed to the public, BLISTT proponents are avoiding the fact that the bright idea only expands the area for squatting especially on the boundaries because this will decongest already congested urban centers and poblacions, central markets and the bigger barangays.

The communications and information processes in the BLISTT project is one-way traffic as consultations with the outlying towns have not been spearheaded, even while there is the danger that it will placate Baguio from its problems on land needs, basura disposal, water and traffic. What will the other BLISTT towns get in return? So far, no suggestion or proposal that will mutually benefit all LGUs involved in the concept has ever been told.

Municipalities included in the BLISTT should look out. When SM opened its business in the central business district of Baguio, no one had any idea on the effects and problems it would cause as there was no planning with the public and technical experts. It caused a lot of movement that impacted negatively to the life of Baguio. All they were thinking of was tourism and the corresponding money that they can gain. It caused a considerable increase in volume of basura, heavy traffic, and water source depletion, transient migration during weekends and holidays and congestion. All these can be blamed on the lack of communication. –MarchFianza