Bachelors Hall PETITION

Petisyun ng tahasang pagtutol sa pagpapatayo ng RHU Bldg. sa Barangay BALALA:

SA MGA KINAUUKULAN: KAMING MAMAMAYAN NG CULION AY TAHASANG TUMUTUTOL SA PAG GIBA AT PAGSIRA NG LUGAR NA DATING BACHELORS HALL NA NGAYUN AY SIYANG PINAGDARAUSAN NG MGA SELEBRASYUN SA HARAP NG MUNISPYO PARA LAMANG PATATAYUAN NG RURAL HEALTH UNIT (RHU) BLDG. SA MGA KADAHILANANG

• 1. ANG PAGPAPATAYO NG RHU AY DI DUMAAN SA TAMANG PROSESO KUNG SAAN WALANG KONSULTASYON SA HANAY NG BARANGAY AT SANGGUNIANG BAYAN. ANG BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 9032 AY Naglalayon na HINDI DAPAT MAGING BAHAGI NG HOSPITAL ZONE ANG ANO MANG LUGAR NA MAY RESIDENTIAL, KOMERSYAL, AT IBA PANG SONA, KAYA HINDI NAAAYON SA PROBISYON NG BATAS SA PAGTAYO NG RHU SA DATING BACHELORS HALL.

• 2. SAPAGKAT WALANG BUILDING PERMIT NA NANGGAGALING SA MUN. ENGR.; RESOLUSYON NG SANGUNIANG BAYAN, AT KONSULTASYON NG MAMAMAYAN. 

• 3. SAPAGKAT ANG RHU AYON SA LAYUNIN AT MANDATO NG BATAS AY DAPAT MAGSERBISYO SA MGA BARRIO O LUGAR KUNG SAAN WALANG MALAPIT NA OSPITAL O PAGAMUTAN... DITO ITATAYO ANG RHU SA POBLASYON KUNG SAAN AY MALAPIT LAMANG ANG GENERAL HOSPITAL NA MAGDUDULOT LAMANG NG DUPLIKASYON AT KOMPETENSYA SA SERBISYO MEDICAL, SAMANTALANG MAS MARAMING RURAL AREAS NA MAS NANGANGAILANGAN NG SERBISYO MEDICAL.

• 4. ITO AY MAGDUDULOT NG PANGANIB SA KALUSUGAN NG MGA MAMAYAN DAHIL ITO AY MALAPIT SA MUNISIPYO, TALIPAPA AT BARANGAY.

• SAMAKATUWID KAMING MAMAYAN NG CULION AY NAGLALAYONG MAG PETISYON UPANG IPATIGIL AT HADLANGAN ANG PAGPAPATAYO NG RHU MEDICAL FACILITY SA LUGAR NA DI NAUUKOL SA TAMANG LAYUNIN NG RURAL HEALTH SERVICES NA DI MAKAKATUPAD NG TUNAY NA MANDATO NG RHU BAGKOS AY MAKAKASIRA SA IMAHIN NG MUNISIPYO, BARANGAY AT POBLACION. NILALAYON DIN NG PETISYONG ITO NA ILAGAY ANG RHU SA LUGAR KUNG SAAN HIGIT NA KAILANGAN AT MALAPIT SA MGA BARANGAY KUNG SAAN WALANG SERBISYONG MEDICAL...

SIGNATURES:

the provision of R.A. 9032 is now being violated by those who are insisting the construction of RHU bldg. THAT NO PART OF THE HOSPITAL ZONE SHALL INCLUDE RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL... YET THEY STILL INSIST AND LOCAL GOVT CODE PROVIDES THAT ...any gov't. project to be implemented must have proper consultation with Sanguniang Bayan prior to its implementation. the SB shall authorize the mayor to allow the implementation of such project...

……………………………………………………………..

Gloria J. Balboa,
Director IV
Department Of Health
Quirino Memorial Medical Center Compound
Project 4, Quezon City Phil.


We can understand your sincere support for the Municipal Health Office (MHO), nevertheless there seems to be a lapse in the part of the LGU and the proponent with regards to the provisions of the proposed memo ag, which had never been approved by the Sanguniang Bayan and in considerations of all gov’t projects mandate to secure social acceptability. The petition the people made against the Municipal Health Office building is therefore opposed for a legitimate contention but never in anyway given just consideration. We are predicating this answer to your letter on the proposition that what you have provided in good faith is also good for the subject, which is the people of this municipality. You cannot relieve yourself from the outcome of your help that is now being questioned and resisted by the same people you wanted to serve. Unless you will better hear our voice, then we will, you never bother to know your given mandate.

To decide on matters that is obscured and founded only on legitimation of a project without satisfying the provisions of law must therefore be a lapse and an undoing of people in charged of an office. LGU or other entities must be subservient  to the will of the people as what our constituent so declares. Arguments and manifesto are therefore our only way to upheld our rights as the people. We shall most of all be honest to say, we don’t deserve a disservice to the people like us. attached please find our manifesto…

……………………………………………………………..

MANIFESTO



WE THE RESIDENTS AND ADVOCATES OF CULION HISTORY, HERITAGES AND THE PRESERVATION OF THE OLD TOWN,

DO HEREBY MANIFEST OUR indignation for the continuous destruction, removal and alteration of our heritage sites, buildings and structures in the name of development and project implementations by un-scrupulous gov't officials without public consultation for social acceptability and utter disregard to environmental impact as well as the respect that must be accorded to historical value of the area or the structure that are part of the past including the aesthetic value of the old town.



WHEREAS; people has already petitioned the municipality as well as the Department of Health region IV expressing their sentiments and outright opposition to the construction of the RHU, and had resolved among others to request the DOH as the funding agency of this project as well as the municipal govt as the recipient to immediately stop the construction pending proper consultation, endorsement and the authorization of the Local Chief Executive (LCE) to enter into a memio agg. with the Department of Health.



WHEREAS; the blatant disregard of the proponent constructing the RHU Bldg to heed the call of the public, as well as the municipality's failure to consider the general public clamor to stop the construction as it is not the best and the right place to put up a RURAL HEALTH UNIT FACILITIES. and it will cause irreparable damage to a heritage site, the pro-land use principles, as well as the aesthetic beauty of the place.

WHEREAS; there is an existing RHU facilty in bgy Patag which may cater and provide medical services to more remote barangays such as Halsey, Binudac, and or sitios such as Demipac, Katuldan, Kabul kabul, Botnongan, Cabulihan, Mampoc, and others…



WHEREAS; if (MHO) Municipal Health Office shall be deemed proper to be establish in the poblacion,, there are DOH buildings that can be renovated and functional Municipal Health Office.



WHEREAS; The SB has invited the peoples representatives as well as the bgy official to hear their petition and to make the necessary legislative measure to address the problem of RHU bldg. construction at the former Bachelors hall and was made into a stage and a place to hold programs and other activities.



WHEREAS, the SB failed to adopt the Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) between the Local Chief Executive (LCE) and the Reg. Dir. of the DOH, thus did not authorized the Local Chief Executive (LCE) to enter into the Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA). A clear violation of the Local Gov't Code and other rule of law.



WHEREAS; inspite of all the violations and letter of appeal petition and the consultations, that despite of the absence of Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) bet the proponent and the benificiary. that inspite of the letter of the reg. Direct the construction of the said medical facility was continued without the proper gov’t procedures in project implementation benign followed..



NOW THEREFORE; be it the people of Culion openly manifests, as we hereby manifests our strongest voice of opposition and condemnation for the utter disregard of Culion heritages site and structures with historical and aesthetic value to the people and the community. And the blatant act committed by those who perpetrated this act of constructing or implementing a project without the necessary social acceptability, long term environmental impact and the possible hazard it may pose to the people of culion.



WE FURTHER MANIFEST TO REQUEST ALL CONCERN AGENCIES, NGO'S AND OTHER CAUSE ORIENTED GROUP. TO SUPPORT US REDEEM THE LOST HERITAGE SITES, TO CAUSE THE IMMEDIATE REVIEW OF THE PLANS FOR LAND USE AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVT PLAN OF CULION. AND UPON THIS REVIEW, TO STOP THE BUILDING OF THE RHU BLDG UNTIL ALL THE REQUIREMENTS AND THE LEGITIMATION OF THIS CONSTRUCTION HAS BEEN FULLY MET SATISFIED AND DONE.

SIGNATURES:

Carolina Magno Felipe

Nill L Taal

Mark Viktor Quilinguen

Nene Magno

Arlene Icasiano Henson

Evelyn Arzaga Torres

Rico Derpo Arandia

Nicolas Torres

Jomar Torres

Henry Juan

Darius Lorenzo

Jun Lorenzo

Ireneo 'Rene' A. Yala

Robert O. Barreyro

Maria Faustina Paz

Ed Belen

Esther Reyes

Zacarias Zabanal

Buenagracia "Rachelle" Delacruz.

Glen Lisboa

John lisboa

Wilmer Natividad Naceno

Humphrey James Natividad

Kenneth Mar Sanchez Salcedo  

Lasalette Cheryl Marie L. Payong

Danielle Isabelle Payong

Susie Aquino

Jesus Libres

Michael Venusa

Jun Santos

Ampy Murcia

JoAnn Alcantara-Garlitos

Butch Fernandez

Lovelle Moana Reyes Hitosis

Monaryn Borbo

Mae S. Lagunday

Karen Fami

Mary Josephine Taal

Mary Christaine Taal

Germinia Taal

Diane lisboa amita
 
Eduardo Layag

Nancy Mae Lisboa

Nestor (Jr.) lisboa

Josephine 'Peng' Taal Ramirez

Luisito 'Luis' Taal

Gregorio 'Goyo' Taal
 
Jackie P. lisboa

Carl lisboa

Teresa lisboa

Marina P. lisboa

Sergee lisboa

Maigee lisboa

Rose P. lisboa

Carlota Magno Ugma

Chary Magno Francisco

Chit Cervantes

Coney Magno

Nel Dino

Astrud Lisboa

Carlos Magno

Joshua Emmanuel Magno Felipe

Samuel Aaron Magno Felipe

Daniel Andrew Magno Felipe

John Isaac Magno Felipe

Quiel Layag

Ricardo Arzaga

John Fetalino

Edwin Kibs Contreras

Michael Pamado

Al B. Linsangan III

Judith Panlilio Quirit

Windel Pastoriza

Remigio "Junn" Duque Jr.

Jaime G. Sarthou

Jesus Libres

Jesus Villamor

Ms. Angel Senorin

Louie E. Mendoza

Jhona Cabaltera Brioso

Barba Ann B. Cerdana

Maria Therese Lorraine So-Trieste

April Joy V. Bautista

Rona D. Pascual

Pamela Ranel B. Abrew

Ariane May V. Abatayo

Maria Celina L. Ylagan

Ramir T. Figuracion

Kamille Londres

Elizabeth R. Engay

Ma. Imelda Ocampo

Hazel B. Tanguamos

Amanda Grace Zaballero.

Ally Matute

Jocee Verano

Grei Ann D.M. Bulos

Renlee Advincula

Fema Singco Berongan Toledo

Kris Markoff

Arnel Sarmiento

Judith Jumaquio

Cristina Reyes Baylon

Mae S. Lagunday

Xavier Alpasa Sj.

Jing M. Ludovice

List of Petitioners at RHU Building Construction in Barangay Balala, Culion, Palawan

1.       Eduardo B. Layag                        – Barangay Balala

2.       Nimfa B. Nomorosa                     – Barangay Balala

3.       Kellainie C. Poblete                     – Barangay Balala

4.       Katinidad S. Cadlum                    – Barangay Balala

6.       William Valones                           – Barangay Balala

7.       Cornelia M. Diño                         – Barangay Balala

8.       Gregoria Gelacio                          – Barangay Balala

9.       Virgilio Lagrosa                            – Barangay Balala

10.   Alvin Iway                                    – Barangay Osmeña

11.   Argalina P. Simundo                     – Barangay Balala

12.   Noel Sabando                                – Barangay Balala

13.   Aurora Auna                                 – Barangay Osmeña

14.    Bernard P. Torres                         – Barangay Balala

15.    Anita V. Lorenzo                          – Barangay Balala

16.   David P. Lorenzo                          – Barangay Balala

19.   Samuel Manalo                             – Barangay Osmeña

21.   May Ann Alcantara                       – Barangay Jardin

22.   Alejandro M. Dayandante             – Barangay Osmeña

23.   Emmanuel R. Melad                      – Barangay Balala

26.   Renita M. Colangoy                       – Barangay Osmeña

27.   Mary Ann B. Rada                         – Barangay Osmeña

28.   Judy C. Cataquis                            – Barangay Balala

29.   Gay M. Castañaday                       – Barangay Osmeña

30.   Angelina T. Castillo                       – Barangay Osmeña

31.   Rebecca P. Ledris                         – Barangay Osmeña

32.   Myrna J. Lagrosa                           – Barangay Osmeña

33.   Magin San Agustin                        – Barangay Balala

34.   Romualdo C. Serdeña                    – Barangay Balala

37.   Alexander Torres                           – Barangay Balala

42.   Leona A. Arzaga                            – Barangay Balala

47.   Rene Mark Pondevilla                   – Barangay Jardin

48.   Lyssette Valones                            – Barangay Balala

49.   Gerry Abrea                                   – Barangay Jardin

50.   Jeffrey Cervantes                           – Barangay Jardin

51.   Esther Benitez                                – Barangay Balala

52.   Danny Benitez                                – Barangay Balala

53.   Erma Torres                                    – Barangay Balala

54.   Joy Doldig                                       – Barangay Balala

55.   Delia Escamilla                               – Barangay Jardin

56.   Daisy Dimanalata                           – Barangay Balala

57.   Emma Jean Louise Torres              – Barangay Balala

58.   Bernard Torres                               – Barangay Balala

59.   Leticia Obas                                   – Barangay Balala

60.   Elaine Grace Alcantara                  – Barangay Balala

61.   Elsa T. Calogro                               – Barangay Balala

62.   Wivina A. Quilinguen                     – Barangay Balala

63.   Roberto V. Amita                           – Barangay Balala

64.   Pablo Acosta Jr.                             – Barangay Jardin

65.   Virginia Acosta                              – Barangay Jardin

66.   Erickson Gelacio                           – Barangay Jardin

67.   Joseph Galleon                              – Barangay Osmeña

68.   Clarito L. Batuigas                        – Barangay Libis

69.   Jeff M. Geraldez                            – Barangay Osmeña

71.   Helen A. Villareal                          – Barangay Luac

72.   Arnita M. Bantonare                     – Barangay Tiza

75.   Esther B. Fortich                           – Barangay Jardin

76.   Alexander S. Amora                      – Barangay Balala

77.   Marvin Iway                                  – Barangay Osmeña

80.   Rebecca D. Paz                             – Barangay Jardin

81.   Hayne S. Derla                              – Barangay Tiza

84.   Lina R. Bulotano                           – Barangay Tiza

86.   Paul Anthony M. Paredes             – Barangay Balala

88.   Maritess Layag                              – Barangay Balala

89.   Dianne L. Amita                            – Barangay Balala

90.   Shiela Pahugot                               – Barangay Balala

92.   Elisa L. Abadiano                          – Barangay Balala

94.   Virginia Santos                               – Barangay Balala

96.   Genalyn A. Cervantes                    – Barangay Luac

97.   Ernie Fontanillas                            – Barangay Balala

98.   Jeffrey Gonzales                            – Barangay Jardin

99.   Marilou Lagreo                              – Barangay Jardin

100.  Ramona Elizabeth S. Fontanillas         – Barangay Balala

102.  Lynn Sotero                                  – Barangay Balala

103.   Salud Gonzales                             – Barangay Balala

104.   Charina M. Derpo                        – Barangay Balala

105.   Elvira Lagrosa                              – Barangay Culango

109.  Caren S. Badang                           – Barangay Baldat

110.  Remy Delos Santos                       – Barangay Jardin

114.  Germiniano P. Pillarda Jr.             – Barangay Jardin

115.  Ricardo Arzaga Jr.                        – Barangay Balala

116.  Dianne B. Ambos                         – Barangay Luac

117.   Annaliza Magbanua                     – Barangay Jardin

118.   Clemente G. Ledris                      – Barangay Osmeña

119.   Paul T. Pungit                              – Barangay Osmeña

123.   Michael Poblete                           – Barangay Balala

124.   Mary C. Diaz                                – Barangay Osmeña

125.   Alfonso L. Pipo                            – Barangay Osmeña

127.   Lucia Derla                                   – Barangay Tiza

128.   J. Mandac                                      – Barangay Osmeña)

129.  Rizalito L. Derla                            – Barangay Tiza

133.  Perla S. Albaña                              – Barangay Libis

134.   Antonieta A. Cabrera                    – Barangay Tiza

135.  Alfredo Ledesma                           – Barangay Jardin

136.  Raymundo Mahinay                      – Barangay Balala

138.   Lendl V. Lagan                             – Barangay Jardin

139.   Linda Lagan                                 – Barangay Jardin

140.   Napoleon L. Abadiano                 – Barangay Balala

141.   Marivic V. Bantog                        – Barangay Balala

143.   Zacarias C. Zabanal                     – Barangay Balala

144.   Paul Tabla                                    – Barangay Culango

147.   Pauline O. Gonzales                     – Barangay Jardin

148.  Marilyn T. Abrea                          – Barangay Culango

149.  Digna Y. Castillo                          – Barangay Jardin

150.  Aiza G. Nacachi                            – Barangay Balala

151.  Arlene Ciego                                 – Barangay Balala

152.   Marisol Magalona                         – Barangay Jardin

153.  Irene C. Contreras                         – Barangay Balala

154.  Rieza V. Abrea                              – Barangay Culango

155.   Enfrocena Cabacungan                – Barangay Culango

156.   Elsie Cabanus                               – Barangay Jardin

157.   Nelson Cabans                              – Barangay Jardin

158.   Shelinie Buric                               – Barangay Baldat

160.   Elizabeth S. Dagta                         – Barangay Culango

161.   Sharon F. Felicilda                         – Barangay Balala

162.   Mary Ann Tabla                            – Barangay Culango

163.  Gabina A. Valones                         – Barangay Balala

164.   Marino C. Dadosano                      – Barangay Culango

165.  Shayne Gonzales                             – Barangay Jardin

166.  Leonida R. Sarmiento                     – Barangay Baldat

167.   Leony C. Magno                            – Barangay Baldat

168.   Helen P. Abrina                              – Barangay Jardin

169.   Annabelle Villera                            – Barangay Balala

170.   Maximo Miñosa                              – Barangay Balala

171.  Esther Ll. Reyes                              – Barangay Balala

172.   Josefina T. Abadiano                      – Barangay Balala

173.   Mark Anthony Ciego                      – Barangay Balala

174.   Nestor N. Lisboa Jr.                        – Barangay Balala

175.    Riodora Buhisan                             – Barangay Balala

TOTAL PETITIONERS                               – 176

Unidentified Due to Handwriting              – 42

Signature Only No Name                            – 6

Redundant                                                    – 1

First Name Initial Only                                 – 1 

Identified Petitioners                                    – 126

Barangay Balala                               – 61

Barangay Jardin                               – 25

Barangay Osmeña                           – 17

Barangay Culango                            – 8

Barangay Tiza                                 – 6

Barangay Baldat                                – 4

Barangay Luac                                   – 3

Barangay Libis                                   – 2

                                         TOTAL   =  126

the project was pushed thru in the absence of a MOA.. and there was no prior consultation. the mun. health officer was given an audience by the SB.. PLs ask for the minutes. kasma mun. eng. the record will show the SB did not authorized the LCE nor the MHO to enter into the agreement. considering that there was a public outcry thru petition not to destroy the open space which was formerly the bachelors hall. until now there is a clamor not to push through the project.. until all requirements has been satisfied... including ECC. social acceptability and other proprieties... common sensibility, culturally legally and appropriately must be heeded as we are the supposed public servant... me pag aaral dapat at pag uusap sa tao..  kung wala, sa kanila man yan... bakit inaayawan? at bakit pinipilit po?

A PUBLIC OUTCRY - NO MOA, NO FURTHER CONSULTATIONS, NO SB LCE AUTHORIZATION, NO MHO AGREEMENT, NO ECC & SOCIAL ACCEPTABILITY. KAILANGAN PANG PAGARALAN AT PAG UUSAP SA TAO

common sense tells us... kung ako ang servant o waiter... the customer is always right... bakit ko bigyan na serbisyo na di namin gusto? tayo lahat binabayaran para masunod gusto mamamayan.. di po tayo nandito para ipIlit ang bagay na di mo man lang tinanong sa tao.... THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE... AS THE LAW PROVIDES... AS WE ARE MANDATED.. AS YOU ARE HIRED TO PROTECT THE VERY INTENT OF THE PEOPLE... THE END NEVER JUSTIFIES THE MEAN...YOU ARE AS I AM IS MANDATED...

IF you look over the MOA bet LGU and DOH... the facility that is for the MHO includes medical service... there will be primary care, consultations and medication... it will also include lying in for delivery... component ang RHU... which is Rural Health Unit. parang clinic yan... bakit di na approved ang MOA? kasi madami nang violations... out of !# terms and conditions of which is proper consultation, supervision in the construction and the turn over... kaso nga nauna gawin ang construction kesa sa MA.

SENIOR CITIZEN MANIFESTO: (and Culion public outcry!)

Kaming mga miembro ng Culion Birthday Club na binubuo ng mga senior citizen at mamamayan ng Culion ay hayagang tumututol sa pagpapatayo ng RHU (Rural Health Unit) or Municipal Health Office building sa pusod mismo ng Barangay Balala sa kadahilanang lubha na itong nakakasikip, at napakahalaga ang dating istraktura sa mga pagtitipong ginaganap dito sa Bachelors Hall or stage at sa Bayanihan Theater.

mga
NAGSILAGDA:

Virgilio (Boy) Palanca
Evangeline Dulay
Rogelio Dulay
Renato Liwanag
Sofia S. Abis
Noel Barut
Christie Romero
Alma Romero
Marina I. Mendoza
Jefrey Mendoza
Jaime Alcantara
Felizer Domingo
Ma. Lourdes Racela Lim
Marilyn R. Africa
Fabiana T. Lim
Michael A. Aban
Balbina C. Aban


September 30, 2012

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Abused Cebuano workers rescued in Culion, Palawan

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/187231/abused-cebuano-workers-rescued-in-culion-palawan

Cebu Daily News

7:19 am | Friday, May 4th, 2012

these workers were the one working on this RHU project in culion. but they were sent back to Cebu already cause of these abused

THEY went to Palawan last week to earn a living.

But on Sunday, 43 male construction workers from the town of Pinamungajan, southern Cebu, had to be rescued.

They were clamoring to go home after being served bad food and being made to stay in poor accommodations by their foreign employer.

Pinamungajan Mayor Geraldine Yapha sought the help of Culion, Palawan Mayor Emiliano P. Marasigan Jr. to rescue the Cebuano workers .

She said the Cebuano workers are now safely with the Culion police and waiting for their transportation back to Pinamungahan.

However, the logistics of bringing home 43 persons is difficult, said the mayor.

She said the town is asking a private vessel owner in Palawan to let the workers ride for free but the schedule set is still a week from now.

“Their families want them back already. We cannot wait for a week for the private vessel’s scheduled trip,” she said.

She said the Pinamungahan government is working with Culion local officials, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale’s Office and Provincial Social Welfare Office,

“The only way, aside from the airplane, to transport them back here is through a vessel or pumboat that would bring them to Iloilo. From Iloilo, they could travel to Negros where they could board a barge bound for Toledo city . We are considering all options,” she said.

Yapha said she did not know about the mass recruitment until the workers’ families pleaded for help.

The workers accepted to work for a foreigner who wants to build a beach resort in an island in Palawan, she said.

They were promised decent wages and accomodation.

Vice Governor Magpale said a complaint for illegal recruitment and traffickcould be prepared against the foreigner.

She said that aside from working to transport the Pinamungahan workers home, authorities are gathering data about the recruiter and the employer.

“We can consider this trafficking because when they reached the island, the salary was not given. The agreement was not satisfied,” she said./Correspondent Peter L. Romanillos

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...

culion... then and now (2)

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 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....??

Culion... then and now?

I remember during my elementary years our teacher asked us to define some common pilipino quotations. 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. It’s 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 deteriorate the place, worst than its stigma. Was it only the cause of misguided decision or actions?..

the Spirit of Basin -revisited ;-)

Jose Rizal said: PEOPLE WHO DO NOT KNOW WHERE THEY CAME FROM DO NOT KNOW WHERE THEY ARE GOING. The reason we do not have a sense of country is that we do not have a sense of history.

The best thing we can improve Culion is not ONLY that we have more natural resources, and how to be productive on this area.... we also need better political system or even better leaders.and most of all the people should have a sense of community. The spirit of involvement. HERE LIES THE MAJOR PROBLEM. Not to mention the budgets!

I am going back to the past, because i’m questioning the present in order to see my future.. Above all, I get to have a sense of belonging to the community, or as that sublime Filipino word goes, "malasakit" for it. This is my compassion for the community, my sympathy for the community, my desire to do something for the community.

Basin is the product of my past. And it represents the beautiful values of our parents and grandparents; to preserve it is to preserve the memory of the great things they have done; their suffering, their love for one another; their laughter, their tears, their hopes, their dreams. They wanted to tell me or us that we are standing on the shoulders of great men; that we should
Not forget their warm hearts and their sacrifices; that we should treasure, and honor the beautiful gifts they have left us. at the least the “malasaki” they have done and endure... and one of this is the symbol of basin...

Again my argument is “basin is the heart of my community, of brotherhood and of family. It is the symbol of my becoming, my joys, and youthfulness. The destruction of it is the undoing of my past and of my community.”

I want to remember my past. I want to preserve my past and one of the great memories of it all is the CULCAG-Marina...  basin.

twenty or 30 years ago during or before the full moon we usually play many games in this place, like hide & seek, 'taragtagan', 'maro-maro', 'turubigan' and other games. Sometimes we just simply watched the moon while chatting and sharing our stories & jokes. We also play some guitars or just the plastic drums singing o “maliwanag na buwan” and other stupid songs...

Then during the day we will go swimming after our pasabit the traditional way of fishing at pantalan which I think originally made in culion. Of course by the pasabit experts Bingel and manong Nonoy Taal and many more. Some had their pakaskas also on their bancas. fishing by the dawn... also to mention the protections of the bancas inside it.

Basin was where we all learned how to swim. From the first 'langoy-aso' stroke to all the swimming strokes like breaststroke, freestyle, backstroke and butterfly... then to the daring jumps from stairs to pantalan. We also went to coral reef diving wearing our handmade goggles to watch the spectacular beauty of corals and fishes. We even try to chased the 'tunggaw', 'sap-sap', and 'matambaka' around the posts of pantalan. In this way we'll learn how to dive deeper in the sea holding our breath for a long time. Then on the 'pantalan' with all the other kids holding our hands, we run and jumped to the sea swimming farther to the deep sea... and when there were wooden ships from manila we'll go to the top jumping from the roof and swam back to basin...

When we already master all the strokes of swimming we'll go practicing for the swimming competitions in our schools and fiestas and for the palawan provincial sports meet to the region IV athletic meet the STRAA. I still remember when we were practicing for the swimming competitions, we swam starting from basin to Jardin shore then back to 'pantalan' and continue to the back of the Immaculate church shore in the colony then back to basin, tracking the coral reefs of Culion proper. A marathon swimming... So those were the years that we produce or introduce swimmer champions for the whole palawan. not to mention the future swimmer athelete that is becoming...

During San Juan which is the rainy season the whole community and families were gathering around the place for picnic and of course “basaan ng dagat o tubig” with all their snack foods and some drinking sessions while playing... even there were all kinds of jelly fish we run around from basin to pantalan and jump while the rain were showering us. everybody were very cautious about the jelly fish but still some of us were stung by its venomous string-like stingers.

But aside from these dangerous jellies, I remember one time, one of the magical moment that really happened there that I cannot forget. That was rainy day when even the sun was shining.... there was a rainbow right in front of us circling around pantalan.. all of us were hypnotized! and we all jumped straight on the rainbow. We were shouting with joy and laughters. looking for the golden pot jokingly. It was pure happiness, the most enchanting moment about 'pantalan' and basin. Nothing can compare to that experienced we had on this place, simply pure joy. simply full of life.

and now look at the place called development by the president, the governor, the congressman, the mayor, the people. development for what? what kind of product are they shippings or producing? importing goods from other places. look at the site it’s full of tricycle that cannot even maneuver on the roads of balala. not to mention the talipapa traffic and becoming polluted...and many more conflicts... it looks ugly. lonely and empty life! (for me)

But culion might still have its hope and dreams... a challenge for all.
and this query will forever live in everyone’s mind, dwelling in everybody’s heart and nailed in all human spirit... without this life can be more sinister. can become more like PPA of culion.

(basin revisited; still relevant today)

I thought this was a dead issue, but no it resurrected like a monster but even bigger this time. What were the mistakes with regard to this power of executive order No. 403... simply because it was called development? Then this is also a reflections... or my forever argument: “basin is the heart of my community, of brotherhood and of family. It is the symbol of beauty, goodness, joy and unity. The destruction of it was simply the destruction of them all even until this very moment after 5 or 6 years.” ;-)

They called PPA as development... :( really?!
and now there's another kind of development they are spreading in town.. their antithesis..

The questions like; what is the difference between personal(selfish) gains and the ability to do good, that which is essentially the kind of development that is enforced to help the weak. The poorest. The powerless... The people.

Development can reduce community when it utilizes all the elements of forces (guns goons & golds) only for one’s disposal in order to protect one’s own private interest nor private properties. It is what the psychologists described as ego-consciousness… the lowest form of consciousness that is vest to the animal instinct of “survival of the fittest”? yes... It is simply serving the original sin. They will do anything without even moral basis and conscience.

Then, who are the fittest in culion nowadays? Who are their sycophant who cannot repress their animal instinct and frustrate their neighbors even friends not more than their community?... adoring their sham icons. Buying all the lands and iconic islands and seas...

So what is true development? Is it building accesses for self-glorification? or is it the reflection of growth that develop the true political realm of community services?.. can we call them growth or services?

What is true development? Is it the land properties or the people? ppa or basin? Is it the enjoyment of growth, or just a way of escaping this banal existence? this indifference?...

What is true development? Is it the ridiculous ideas of this apocryphal claims of serving other people? or is it the springing of actuality where works are made to articulate the spirit of involvements or what they called advancement? Cofusing people with things that evolve yet become so disrectful, bogus and blasphemous, pretending like god or councilors or tongressman?

Why is it always painful to go out there and view those empty walls where the abysmal void hurt with the shameless reformation of it all? Why do we have to make walls of isolations on progress and betterment? Why do we have to clog and cast off commonality? Why do we have to wall the CULCAG, PANTALAN, pitogo or even some islands? Why is it that this development seems to have lost its spirit and moralities?

What are great achievements and strides made of? Why does we find the equal deterioration of the bayanihan spirit found in community the spirit of oneness and solidarity... but instead we have apathy and torpidity, we have walls of CULCAG and PANTALAN and pitogo? OR THIS? ;))

The complexities of modern life have become so bizarre as the philosophy of secularism have been well applied to defeat underdevelopment --- transforming materialism as the basic essential commodity that will feed the human body... Ah I think they’re just serving survival instinct... Then life might become formidable, unreasonable, vexatious and weaked, so painful, so sad and morose. Transforming the culion into monkey-business... Then where are the sustainable livelihood of PASABIT?! Where are the community and family?

Development includes business and can order by laws of the president or congressman or mayor... a kind of system. Yes indeed a system is a system that without which we cannot function in an organized way. But this kind system became a place to create an illusion of control… where they hide to call it developments. wow!

But the problem lies not in the system or laws. It lies in the hearts of man or woman where progress has been assign to a mere ego and materialism -- where people were being denounced of involvements, belongingness, in place of indifference... the price tags of money money money, where goodness and beauty became so ugly & bad!..

But development is not for the weak heart nor cowards or for those ego-conscious-mind who only serve their animal instinct where reasons & courage are irrelevant and nonsense… please, it is not for them all!

True Development should be the backbone of a town, of a true leader. obviously it must be effective and produce GOOD results. Its created projects must depict, capture and document great achievements of great people’s way of life and values. Without it a place may not have been existed. (just like PPA now it is there in our midst but useless.. more so, repressing the people) Great minds that move the course of a community’s future know the value of development as an essential component in the promotion of ethics of pure life…

Development is a community canonization...
so it should belong to the people, for the people and by the people!..

but look around culion nowadays, they become the concept & influence of PPA mentality - WHO DO NOT KNOW WHERE THEY CAME FROM & DO NOT KNOW WHERE THEY ARE GOING, who do not have a common sense and a sense of history and basin.

The best thing we can improve Culion is not ONLY that we have moral integrities and dignity, new leaders and true development but most of all the people should have a sense of community. The spirit of involvement, the sense & the SPIRIT OF BASIN.

here lies the future of our stagnant isla culion... ;(so help us God:)
COURAGE islaculion! courage let us change this future ;)

 

...........

Ayon kay Jose Rizal: ANG TAONG HINDI MARUNONG LUMINGON SA PINANGGALINGAN AY HINDI MAKAKARATING SA PAROROONAN. Samakatwid, ang dahilan kung bakit ang tao ay walang malasakit sa bayan ay dahil wala itong pakialam sa kanyang kasaysayan.

Ang kagandahan at kakayahan natin na maiangat ang Culion ay hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng ating likas na natural na kayamanan, at pagiging malikhain, kundi kailangan din natin isang epektibong sistema sa politika na kung saan ang namumuno sa bayan kasama na ang mga tao’t naninirahan dito ay magkaroon ng pagkakaisa. PAGKAKAISA ANG SOLUSYON. Imbes, ito ngayon ang pangunahin nating problema sa CULION.

Babalikan ko ang NAKARAAN, dahil may tanong ako sa KASALUKUYAN, at upang malaman ko ang sagot at makita sa HINAHARAP. Bukod sa lahat, nararamdaman ko ang pangangailangan ng aking komunidad o sa madaling salita "malasakit" sa bayan. Ito ang aking nararamdaman para sa komunidad, malasakit para sa komunidad at kagustuhan ko mula sa aking puso namakapag kawang gawa sa aking komunidad.

Ang Basin ay ang isang produkto ng aking nakaraan. Sinisimbolo nito ang magagandang kultura’t mabubuting mga kaugaliang itinuro ng aking mga magulang; ANG PAG-INGATAN ITO, PANGALAGAAN ANG MAGAGANDANG ALAALA’T MABUBUTING BAGAY NA KANILANG GINAWA; ang kanilang pagsasakripisyo, ang kanilang pagmamahal sa isa’t isa; ang kanilang kaligayahan, ang kanilang kalungkutan, ang kanilang pag-asa, at ang kanilang mga pangarap. Tila nais nila itong ipaalam sa akin na tayo ay nakatayo’t naninirahan sa lugar ng mga dakilang mamamayan; at ito ay hindi natin kailanman dapat kalimutan ang tatag ng kanilang puso at ang pagsakripisyo sa bayan. Dapat natin itong pagkaingatan at ipagbunyi’t igalang ang magagandang biyayang iniwan nila sa atin. Ang “malasakit” na kanilang ginawa para sa ating bayan ay nananatili’t nangingibabaw... Isa na dito ang basin – na kung saan ay simbolo ng pagmamalasakit at pagbabayanihan nilang lahat sa NAKARAAN para sa atin na nabubuhay sa KASALUKUYAN...

Sa madaling salita “Ang basin ay ang puso ng komunidad, pagkakaisa at pagmamahalan. Ito ay simbolo ng aking nakaraan, kasalukuyan at hinaharap, simbolo ng aking kaligayan at kabataan. Ang pagkasira nito ay hindi gawain ng aking Nakaraan at nang aking komunidad.

Nais kong sariwain ang aking nakaraan. Nais ko itong paka-alagaan at ingatan para sa mga susunod pang henerasyon. At ang karamihan sa magagandang alaala ng nakaraan ay nasa CULCAG-Marina – Ang basin.

Mahigit dalawampung taon (20 years) o tatlumpung taon (30 years) na ang nakalilipas sa twing darating ang kabilugan ng buwan, madalas kami ay naglalaro sa basin, sa pantalan, sa bilog at sa culcag nang, “tagu-taguan”, “taragtagan”, 'maro-maro', 'turubigan' at marami pang iba. Minsan naman ay aming pinagmamasdan ang buwan habang nakikipagkwentuhan at nakikipagbiruan sa aming mga kaibigan. Madalas din kami’y naggigitara at nagtatambol gamit ang plastic na lata habang kumakanta nang “Oh Maliwanag na Buwan” at iba pang nakakatuwang awitin.

Sa araw naman kami ay lumalangoy sa basin at pantalan matapos magpasabit our pasabit na sa aking pananaw ay sa Culion lang merong ganun. Ang mga pasabit experts na aking kilala ay sina Binggel at Manong Pabling Taal at marami pang iba. Ang iba sa kanila ay merong pakaskas ang iba naman ay nasa Bangka nila nangangawil lalo na sa pagbukang liwayway.

Ang Basin ay kung saan kaming lahat natuto lumangoy. Mula sa 'langoy-aso' hanggang sa matutunan lahat ng uri o istilo ng paglangoy tulad nang; breaststroke, freestyle, backstroke at butterfly... Kasunod nito ay ang lakasang loob na pagtalon mula sa hagdan ng pantalan at sa mga batil kung minsan. Madalas din kami sumisid sa lugar kung saan maraming coral reef gamit ang antiparang gawa lamang ng sarili naming mga kamay upang mapanuod o makita ang ganda ng mga corals and isda sa ilalim ng dagat. Minsan ay hinahabol pa naming ang mga isdang 'tunggaw', 'sap-sap', and 'matambaka' sa mga post ng pantalan. At sa ganitong paglilibang natuto kaming sumisid ng mas malalim pa sa ilalim nang dagat habang pinipigil namin ang aming mga hininga ng matagal. Naalala ko din sa pantalan, kasama ang aking mga kaibigan at magkakahawak ang mga kamay, kami ay tumatakbo at tumatalon patungo sa dagat para mas lalo pa kaming pumailalim sa pagbagsak namin sa dagat... At sa twing may mga batil na dumudunggo o dumadaong sa pantalan, umaakyat kami sa pinaka taas na bahagi nito at tumatalon patungo sa dagat...

Nung kami ay naging bihasa sa paglalangoy, sumasali kami sa mga school competition tulad ng Provincial Meet at Southern Tagalog Regional Athletic Association o STRAA. Dala namin ang pangalan ng aming bayang Culion at kami naman ay nagwawagi sa mga palaro na kung saan nagbibigay karangalan sa ating bayan partikular sa swimming competition. Naalala ko pa nung kami ay nagpapraktis sa paglangoy bilang paghahanda sa palahok, nilalangoy namin ang mula sa basin patungo sa may dagat ng barangay Jardin at pagkatapos balik sa pantalan at basin at pagkatapos diretso naman sa may dagat sa likod ng Simbahan ng Immaculada o Immaculate Church sa Barangay Libis, at pagkatapos ay balik muli sa pantalan. Swimming Marathon kung tawagin... Ito ang mga taong nagpakilala sa maraming kampeyon sa buong probinsya ng Palawan at buong rehiyon ng Southern Tagalog na pinagmamalaki ng ating bayan.

Sa twing sasapit naman ang Pista ni San Juan na nagaganap twing panahon ng tag ulan, ang buong komunidad ng Culion ay nagdiriwang; halos lahat ng pamilya ay nagtitipun-tipon sa basin para mag-picnic at para na din makipag “basaan ng dagat o tubig.” Bawat pamilya ay may kanya kanyang mga baong pagkain ang iba naman ay may mga baong inuming alak... Kahit pa merong mga salabay (jelly fish) o ‘abot’ kung tawagin sa amin, ito ay balewala at patuloy pa rin kami sa pagtalon sa pantalan at paglangoy sa dagat sa gitna ng malakas na buhos ng ulan. Lahat ay maingat sa paglalangoy umiiwas matamaan ng salabay o “abot” pero may iba pa ring minamalas na masalabay o ma-abot kung tawagin sa amin.

Naalala ko pa ang isang magandang karanasan namin na hinding hindi namin malilimutan na kung saan isang araw na maulan at ang araw ay sumisikat pa din kahit maulan, meron kaming nakitang bahaghari o rainbow sa harap namin mismo at napapalibutan ang pantalan. Lahat kami na nanduon ay naakit at sabay sabay tumalon patungo sa bahaghari. Kami ay naghihiyawan sa aming kasiyahan habang nagbibiruang hinahanap ang gintong kayamanan sa dulo ng bahaghari. Napakasayang karanasang iyon sa basin at pantalan na hindi kailanman mapapalitan ng kung ano pa man.

Ang karanasang iyon ay isa na lamang alaala ngayong kasalukuyan. Ngayon, pakitignan mabuti ang aming lugar, ang aming basin ang aming kasiyahan at kaligayahan. Ito ba ang tinatawag ninyong PAGBABAGO o DEVELOPMENT aming presidente, gobernador, congressman, mayor, at aking mga kababayan? Pagbabago para saan? Anong klaseng produkto ang dinadala o inaangkat sa bayan namin? Ano ang mga transaksyon? Tignan nyo mabuti ang lugar na puno ng tricycle na hirap magmaneobra sa daanan ng barangay balala kung saan naroon itinayo ang PPA – sa lugar kung saan ang basin nakatayo noon.

Sa kabilang banda, maaaring ang ating bayan ay meron pang pag asa. At ito marahil ang hamon para sa ating lahat na taga Culion. Ito ang tanong na tatatak sa ating mga puso’t isipan... Kung wala na tayong pag-asa ang buhay natin ay walang mangyayari magiging abandona at nakakulong sa alaala ng nakalipas. Tulad ng basin natin matatabunan lamang tayo ng lupa ng PPA kung mawawalan tayo ng pag asa at hindi mangangarap na umahon. Kung makapagsasalita lamang ang basin marahil ay dumadaing na ito sa hirap sa kasalukuyang dinaranas na pagkabaon ng lupa ng PPA. Hindi man ito makapagsalita naririnig namin sa aming mga puso’t kaluluwa na umiiyak ang basin at humihingi ito ng tulong sa atin. Sana ay wag tayo magbulag bulagan at magbingi bingihan, magtulungan tayo na muling mabuhay ang ating basin.

Akala ko ang isyu na ito ay tapos na. Hindi pa pala, sa halip ito ay muling nabuhay at mas lumaki pa sa pagkakataong ito. Anu ano ang mga pagkakamali sa kapangyarihan ng Executive Order No. 403 o ang utos ng dating presidente na si GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO para maitayo ang PPA sa ating basin? Dahil ba sa Development o Pagbabago na kailangan ng ating bayan?

Ang basin ay ang puso ng ating komunidad, samahan, pagkakaisa at pagmamahal ng bawat pamilya sa Culion. Ito ay simbolo ng kagandahan, kabutihan, kaligayahan at pagtutulungan. Ang pagkasira ng basin ay pagkasira din nang ating simbolo na mararamdaman natin hanggang ngayon at magpakailanman kung hindi tayo gagawa ng hakbang at magtutulungan.

Tinatawag nila na ang PPA ay development o ang Pag-unlad ng bayan... Pagbabagong hindi man lang ginalang o nirespeto ang sentimyento ng taong bayan. Tama ba yun? Tama ba na sirain ang iniingatan nating yaman alang alang sa PAGBABAGO? Tama ba na i-sakripisyo natin ang ating kultura para lamang sa PAG UNLAD?

Ano ang tunay na pag unlad o pagbabago? Ito ba ay paraan para makilala at purihin ang isang indibidwal na may akda o pakana nito? O ito ba ay isang imahe ng pag angat ng pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa? Pwede ba natin itong tawaging pag asenso o pag serbisyo sa bayan? Ano ang tunay na ibig sabihin ng PAG UNLAD?

Pag unlad ba ang tawag sa lupang nasira sa ating bayan? Sino ang pipiliin nyo ang PPA ba o ang basin?

Bakit lagi nalang tayong nasasaktan sa twing lalabas ng bahay at makikita ang nakakakilabot na tanawin ng mga pader na tumatakip sa ating nakaraan? Bakit kailangan natin gumawa ng pader para harangan ang ating nakaraan alang alang sa tinatawag na pag unlad? Ito ba ay nakabubuti sa atin o nakakasama? Bakit kailangan natin harangan at itaboy ang ating kaligayahan at pagkakaisa? Bakit kailangan natin bakuran ang CULCAG, BASIN at PANTALAN? Bakit ang pag unlad na ito na sinasabi nila ay tila kailangan tapakan ang ating masasayang nakaraan?

Bakit tayo nananahimik habang unti unting nawawala ang espirito ng bayanihan sa komunidad at pinapayagan na manaig ang pagiging makasarili’t pag-iisa? Sa halip nawawalan tayo ng malasakit sa bayan at pinapayagan natin na tayo ay tapak tapakan ng kapangyarihan ng iilan. Ito ba ang kaugaliang pinamana sa atin ng ating mga magulang?

Ang ating modernong pamumuhay ay tila ba nagmimistulang kakaiba habang patuloy natin pinapayagan ang ating sarili na mamuhay nang walang malasakit sa bayan. Gusto natin umasenso ang ating bayan kahit sa anong paraan at hindi man lang natin iniisip ang ating kultura at mga nakaraan – kahit maapektuhan pa ito ay wala tayong pakialaman. Sa halip tayo ay naniniwala na ang mga materyal na bagay ang ating pangunahing pangangailangan ng ating buhay. Kung ganyan ang ating pag iisip ay siguradong walang kahahantungan o patutunguhan ang ating buhay, ang ating bayan, asahan nyo ang ating pagbagsak ang pagkasira ng ating komunidad at nang ating tirahan. Ang Culion ay magmimistula na lamang gatasan ng mga mayayaman. Katulad na lamang nang simpleng pinagkukunan ng ulam – ang PASABIT. Kung inyong titignan nuon ang pagpapasabit pwede mong gawin kahit anong oras mo gustuhin. Ngayon ay tila may oras na lamang at meron nang nagkokontrol sa atin. Ito ba ang Pagbabago?

Kasama sa pag unlad ay ang pag angat ng negosyo. Sa atin ba ay umangat ang negosyo? Ito Pag unlad o Development ay maaaring gawin sa pamamagitan ng utos at kagustuhan ng president, congressman o mayor – ganyan ang sistema ng pagbabago. Oo nga at ganyan ang sistema, ngunit ang sistemang ito ay tila ba pumipigil sa ating mga karapatan para mamuhay sa ating bayan na ayon sa ating kagustuhan. At ang sistemang ito ay nagiging ilusyon na kung saan tayo ay nakokontrol at pinapaikot ng mga taong nasa ating itaas. Na kung ano ang gusto nila gawin sa atin ay kanilang ginagawa tulad na lamang ng pagkagawa ng PPA na kanilang itinago sa salitang PAG UNLAD NG CULION na atin naman agad na pinaniwalaan.

Pero ang problema ay hindi lamang sa sistema ng ating gobyerno, ito ay maaari ding magmula sa taong bayan. Nasa pag uugali nang bawat isa sa atin ang problema at ang solusyon nito. Kung tayo ay ayaw makiisa at walang malasakit at sa halip nagiging makasarili, ang problema ay ating asahan at hindi natin ito masu-solusyunan hanggat hindi natin binabago ang pangit na ugaling ito.

Ang tunay na pagbabago o pag unlad ay ang pundasyon ng mamamayan. Dapat ito ay epektibo at kapakipakinabang at magbibigay sa atin ng magandang resulta sa ating pamumuhay. Ang mga proyekto ng pagbabago ay dapat napapaloob ang respeto at paggalang sa kultura ng nakaraan at ng mamamayang ito. Kung wala ito ang pagbabago ay magreresulta lamang sa pagkasira ng bayang ito (katulad na lamang ng PPA ngayon, nariyan nga sa atin ngunit wala namang pakinabang bagkus ay nakakaperwisyo pa sa atin). Ang mga matatalinong indibidwal na nagging bahagi ng komunidad sa pagbabago ay alam ang kahalagahan ng nakaraan at merong respeto sa kultura ng bawat mamamayan at tinatrato nila ito bilang isang mahalagang sangkap patungo sa isang maayos na pag unlad na kung saan walang nasasagasaan o nasasaktan na sentimyento ng mamamayan.

Tignan nyo ang Culion ngayon, tila ba isa na syang konsepto at tulad na ng PPA na sumira sa ating nakaraan. Karamihan sa atin HINDI ALAM O MARUNONG LUMINGON SA NAKARAAN, AT HINDI RIN MARUNONG LUMINGON SA HINAHARAP, unti unit nang nawawala ang pagmamalasakit sa bayan, nawawala na ang pagrespeto sa nakaraan, nawawala na ang paggalang sa kasaysayan at wala nang pakialam sa basin. Karamihan sa atin ay nagsabing PABAYAAN NYO NA NANGYARI NA, HAYAAN MO NA ANG BASIN, ANG IMPORTANTE AY AGAPAN NA LANG ANG PWEDE NATIN AGAPAN SA HINAHARAP NA PWEDE PANG MASIRA. Tanong, ito ba ang tamang pagmamalasakit? Pano mo maaagapan ang hinaharap kung hindi mo kaya isalba ang nakalipas?

Isa lamang ang solusyon, ang balikan ang nakaraan at magkaisa tayo para maibalik ang sa atin ay nawala. Magtulungan tayo ibalik natin ang basin! sama sama natin itong hukayin. Hindi sa ayaw natin ang PPA, ang gusto lang natin ay mailipat ito sa ibang lokasyon sa bayan natin na kung saan ay hindi natatapakan o nasasaktan ang ating kasaysayan. Kaya natin ito kung sama sama tayo. At hindi tayo magtatagumpay kung watak watak tayo. Nawa’y buhayin natin ang diwa ng bayanihan sa bayan natin. Walang problemang hindi masusulusyunan kung tayo ay magbubuklod buklod at magkakaisa!