culion as student of modernity? (:empowerment)

...I remember during my elementary years our teacher asked us to define some common pilipino proverbs. And one that i can't forget was this, "ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay di makararating sa paroroonan". One interpretation was one who does not know how to look back like the gratefulness to the kindness of our parents or the appreciation of the past where we came from, or neglecting all these good legacies, the person will not reach his destination.

 That was more than 30 years ago and it still lingers in my mind until this very moment. Because we have another analysis now and that is for our beloved town Culion. My town had a great history if not meaningful journey too from its wonderful past to reach its true destiny in curing this dreadful disease. Its wonderful history threading the beautiful path of services and genuine cares not only for the patients but also to its people in general as signs to follow. From the missionaries like the Jesuits to SPC sisters to the managing directors, doctors, nurses, nursemaid, engineers, clerks and even their music band up to the street sweeper or cleaner, etc. A joy in true sense of service like parents’ love in taking care of their children. This was Culion in a productive past amidst the stigma and isolations or prejudices of the world but in truth it was a haven of peace and joy not to mention its natural resources around the place especially the blessings and its abundance.

Ahh was it the great past? We can only wonder… We might be questioning now the present situation of our dear town in order to bring back the sense of belongingness to our community and families, or to look back at least from its effective and great achievements including their values. So what are great achievements of the present? Why does it seem that while we experienced the accomplishments of our ‘past’ we find the equal deterioration of the ‘present’ lost in apathy or indifference? Where leadership has been assign to a mere survival that denounced involvement? Losing its legacy or the ethics of life only to deteriorate the place, worst than its stigma? Was it only the cause of misguided decision or actions?..

We joyfully celebrated when Culion became a municipality on Feb. 12, 1992 by late Pres. Corazon Aquino the mother of the present president Noynoy Aquino through Republic Act (RA) 7193, creating the municipality of Culion in the province of Palawan. Then on May 8, 1995 was the first election of municipal and barangay officials. Plus other major changes in terms of administrative, like the transfer of Department of Health (DOH) from sanitarium to municipality and creating different barangays with their respective councils and chairman. We were truly excited those times, becoming independent being govern by ourselves for better and not for worst that is supposed to be guided and inspired by our past.  

Unfortunately we missed a lot of great opportunities and we remain stagnant or overwhelmed by this crazy big thing called ‘development’ complicated by modernity. Our new leaders seems to find it too heavy to face these challenges neglecting its guiding precedent only to be founded in a state of self-destruct??

One big significant were the negligence of the very heart of our town like some historical sites, done by the underdevelopment of PPA or the Philippine Port Authority authored by no other than the devious motives and torpidity of an (immoral) executive order with its obvious flaws and unfounded assertions.

The alarming and rampant illegal drugs that slowly fragmenting the youth and the families around. And equally painful emergence of some kind of deep division among the people, the great divide of the powerful and the powerless that we cannot even imagine happening in the land where brotherhood is almost a way of life. Instead we became strangers to one another and to our very own land… or simply being deprived of empowerment....??

 yes there will be more works, mostly miracles for Culion. let us wake up now and see the new Culion in a true sense of progress, eco-friendly, tourists destination in the North of Palawan. Young generations as well as the Jesuit trained and educated young people who should always take a stand, no matter what. if it is for the greatest good. let's do it. or do we have other choice?..

we are forever searching now for this young genes to have the kind of heart who truly love our place. we cannot wish it anymore we have no other choice but to do, and will continue to do it, hoping to bear fruits much sweet than the harvest of the past. with all the help of our friends, families and communities in Culion who are true Culionaires in hearts and minds... and remain vigilant for Culion,  as the heart and soul of the place. also as a core group or leaders who can ride with this so called "hope" that we always hold on to, cultivating the grassroot before it's too late as we are chasing time now. This was our prayers since the beginning of time immemorial... Hmm isn't it exciting? so with the continued guidance of our forefathers and the spiritual directors we will continue to study, train and acquire great knowledge... the future of Culion depend much on the training and the laurels its people would bring for this chosen endeavor...