Unity bridges along Balili

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO

By March Fianza

Unity in diversity is actually "unity by fragmented groups of different persuasions". These groups have ideological differences, differ in culture, even speak distinct languages, have faith in varied religions, and follow their own political beliefs. But they fully understand that when they interact with each other, their differences enrich the community they live in. Such is the community and LGU of Central Balili in La Trinidad that recently inaugurated two concrete bridges.

In his informal talk to an audience composed of officials and residents of the barangay, municipal heads and employees, and DPWH engineers, Benguet Representative Ronald M. Cosalan who worked for the funding of the bridges said, it was the unity of the LGU officials with the community that urged him to convince the concerned national agency to construct the infrastructure projects, not only because these were very much needed by the community.

One new bridge crosses the Balili River before Sitio Tabangaoen behind the BSU field, while the other one is near the barangay hall after the PNB building at Km5. The bridges cost P40M and P37M and were constructed during the terms of former Balili Kapitan Paul Alveraz and newly elected barangay chair Ramon Tomin, respectively.

In response, Mayor Edna Tabanda and Punong Barangay Tomin expressed their thanks to Cong. Cosalan, DPWH Chief Planning Engineer Engr. Angie Mabitasan and DPWH Project Engineer Andy Gregorio for the bridges even as they enumerated more projects that they want for La Trinidad.

Ronnie Cosalan who chairs the committee on public infrastructure in congress readily expressed his commitment to bring in more beautification infrastructure projects to the municipality for as long as officials and their constituents are united.

“La Trinidad serves as the showcase window of Benguet as it creates the true impression to tourists that what is beautiful in one area may be the situation in the whole of Benguet,” said Cosalan who is now on his second term as Benguet representative.   

The projects that are on line are the catwalk or sidewalk from Km3 just after the boundary with Baguio City down to Km4 for the safety of pedestrians, especially school children; bridge overpasses below the Benguet Provincial Capitol, Buyagan and a few meters before the intersection at Km5 to cost P12M each; and widening into four lanes and concreting of that section of Halsema in La Trinidad from Km6 to Poblacion below Capitol with an appropriation fund of around P16m, plus P25m to include a wider bridge over the Bolo River before the Benguet Capitol. These beautification projects will start in 2015 and are expected to be finished by 2016.

Also, to help ease traffic problem along the Halsema in La Trinidad, the Ambiong-Lubas-Tawang alternative road and the Beckel to Shilan road will all be finished this January, while the Aurora Hill to Ambiong road that is being constructed will connect and exit at Lamut-Tawang national road. Another road from Shilan, La trinidad to Tocmo, Itogon will be finished in 2015.

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While I was on this article Thursday evening, my phone rang and an unknown female voice told me that Toots Soberano was gasping for air at the Baguio Medical Center and was about to go. He was rushed to the hospital Monday due to a very painful back. In the hospital, I was informed that his diagnoses revealed kidneys that were damaged severely, he had diabetes and other medically identified sicknesses that I cannot understand.

Angelito “Toots” Soberano, 56; and I met as younger members of the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club sometime in the late 80s. He was with a radio outfit before he shifted to photography. He was also an active member of the Baguio-Benguet PICAG (Public Information Civic Action Group) and a Jaycee.

Toots contributed photos to almost all local newspapers namely, The Reporter, Baguio Midland Courier, Sun Star, the defunct City Digest that did or did not saw print but told me during silent coffee moments at Chongloi’s Luisa’s Café that he understood that such is the situation of photo contributors.

His photos also landed in national papers such as the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Tempo and Peoples Journal. Toots joined the European Press Photo Agency sometime in 2002 as the photo correspondent based in Northern Luzon.

I had memorable moments with Toots. Three years ago, he introduced me food at the Pigar-pigar eatery in Dagupan.

Then we dropped by their house at Asingan, Pangasinan and brought home “paltat” and “tilapia” that his boys gathered from their farm. He was still good when we crossed paths at an Old Friends Reunion during a stormy week last July. The last time I saw him was in September when he finally gave me a “press” car sticker that he promised five years ago.

I have known Toots as one who loves the music of Simon & Garfunkel, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan. He loves to dine in eccentric restaurants but has a good appetite for pork, and drinks a lot of coke too. All I can say to myself last night when he was about to leave was that “he was catching up the birthday party of Jesus.”

He left this earthly world on a chilly Christmas night at 10:14pm on my watch. I just hope there are kitchens and dining rooms up there, beautiful pictures to shoot and a darkroom too. Merry Christmas Toots. Now your wishes for better years ahead have just come true. And our future Christmases have become more memorable.