WE ARE PARTNER STEWARDS OF THE CITY

(A personal reflection and a stand on the tree cutting in the city)

We do not own the earth; the rivers, the boulders, the trees, the land – we are simply stewards expected to pass it on to the next generation. I share my thoughts as an indigenous person, a woman connected to God and his creation, enhanced by living among the Cordillerans and the Himalayans.

We in Baguio share a dilemma experienced by other people around the world; balancing culture and environmental preservation and development.  The UN general assembly declared the Indigenous People’s month to recognize the wisdom in propagating cultural diversity emphasizing the worth of every human being. Majority  of us share the indigenous people’s worldview of the interconnectedness of man and the land where God given life is enhanced in a web of existence. The “pedigree of nations” need not be compromised in the name of development.

I share the pain of those born, studied and lived in Baguio. In our lifetime we see the massive destruction of a changing landscape. Quirino Hill, Guisad Valley, Lucban and Aurora Hills were my playgrounds when we were young. As a teenager walked the CBD, wade the streams, and hike the mountains around the city. But now, most of our trees are gone substituted by houses and commercial buildings; our brooks dried up; our sunflowers disappearing. It is painful for we are losing the treasures of our city giving way to a garbage dump, massive malls, overflowing streets and more .

Where have we gone wrong? Discipline seems to have been buried and cemented under the roads. Apathy and materialism replaced caring and legacy. Common sense seemed flitted away with the passing mist. Unfairness and injustice seems to pervade. Respect is slowly giving way to moral decay. Shaving  the mountains, blocking the streams, cutting the trees and cementing the ground has changed people’s culture, values and character.

I was elected as one of the councilors of our City. I thank you for this opportunity to serve in this capacity, but let it be reiterated that it was always with an open hand for partnership in governance . I remain there as long as the people decide I am worthy of serving. To the protestors against SM, refrain from cursing us, throwing unfounded accusations  and uttering unnecessary comments which is clouded by ideology. You accuse us of being paid by SM unless you have evidence then the accusation is unfounded. Be assured, I never received any and never will for I live a simple life with simple taste. God and our people are my inspiration to continue fighting for the interest of our city. Believe me, I care and love Baguio and its people.

On the issue of tree cutting, I have planted more trees than the average Filipino. As a community development worker have participated in environmental advocacy and as a public servant, supported policies of preservation. I am against cutting, earth balling, transplanting full grown trees in the city and elsewhere, but I support tree planting and nurturing, park development, open space identification. Aside from SM Luneta Hill, lets us protect the forest cover of Camp John Hay, Bakakeng, Camp 7, Irisan and our neighboring municipalities.  I agree we need to pressure the President, DENR and people in authority and government implementers to support the majority stand of the status quo in Luneta Hill and other critical areas in the city. The environmentalist and ecologist have much to say about a living tree as source of power for healthy living. Let’s do that in partnership with respect.

The mass protest rally against seemingly greed and non-consultative development made a strong point. It is about time that accountability in governance should not remain faceless. I stand against injustice and disrespect but I will support enabling dialogues, character transformation and participatory governance. We, the city officials, are not the enemy around here, we are your partners in protecting our city, you need our support as much as we need yours.

Let’s instill cultural and environmental orientation, protection, and preservation in our institutions. For our schools, the government, business, tourism, transportation  sectors and peacekeepers are being threatened with acculturation .

We don’t have ownership of this land,  we are simply stewards and may God have mercy and grace despite our unfaithfulness and lack of sight.

Philian Louise Weygan Allan

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