Posts Tagged ‘family’
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentation 3:22-23
I am Philian Louise Weygan Allan, born in 1957 in the city of Baguio to Galo and Maria Weygan. Born, raised and studied with my 7 siblings in the public and private schools in our city. We are a healthy big family with no major illness when we were younger, except for those occasional attacks during the flu season. We roamed the mountains and valleys, swim the rivers, grow our gardens and raise our chickens, pigs and rabbits. A childhood full of memories and entering to a competitive high school and a breeze of the wind in college.
While I was working and doing my Master in the University of the Philippines-Baguio. One morning while we were in church, I was suddenly struck with pain and could no longer carry myself to walk. I limped and the next day my mother brought me to the hospital where all sorts of x-ray, test and doctors’ appointment ensued. I was diagnosed with a broken back, a fractured spine lumbar 5 and 6 and was pinching my nerves. Every movement was pronounced with pain and sitting and standing is impossible.
For over than five months, I was unable to walk, confined to traction in bed and wasted away.
Those five months, the late Dr Servando Liban II, a neurologist worked on my case like a hawk. He believed I will walk again even when I did not believe I will. Worked on my case when I made the decision not to go through surgery and instead take a more conservative treatment when my 5th and 6th lumbar got crashed and bit into my nerves which rendered my feet useless. Dr Liban explained very well the situation and gave an option of surgery or conservative treatment, there were no guarantees but I choose to go the conservative way of having lumbar traction, pain relievers, and other medicine that would help me recover. He would do a weekly home visit to check on me, check that I am tied to my traction day and night with intervals.
Those five months I was not able to walk and stayed in bed, my parents, my siblings would take turns putting and removing my traction; washing me up, putting and removing the bedpan, serving and clearing out my food and assisting me with almost everything that a normal person should be doing. There were times, I can pull my self and sit down on the bed or slide down to the chair that they left beside my elevated bed. At the foot of my bed was the traction being pulled by a sack of stones as weights, at one time I remember it was a sack of sand with a specific weight requirement.
Those five months my siblings were in school and my parents were at work. As I lay in bed I would listen to the radio, the teaching and worship songs that were played in a radio cassette player. I would know the time that a drama was played, the country sounds were on, the news would be aired. And when I was not listening to the radio, I was listening to evangelical teaching tapes by religious leaders and religious songs, hymns and worship from cassette tapes left by my mom and dad for me to while the day that I am left at home.
At the later months, I find myself nauseated, feverish and at times groggy and delirious. Maybe for laying down too long, the side effects of medicines and maybe a mind that wanders. Came a time I give up as everything I eat came out, and even prayers were not able to calm my tired and broken body. I cried a lot and prayed more. Then I wrote my last will and testament, wrote goodbye letters to my parents and by March 6 I was ready to meet the FATHER.
That week in March 1982, my parents were attending activities of the miracle crusade team of Janet Combs at the Church of the Resurrection. They joined the teachings, the healing ministry and the nightly worship service. On that particular March 6, a team of Episcopal Church Women led by the late Mrs. Esther Cosalan joined my mother and they prayed for me. I cried as I lay down in bed, knowing that, that morning I asked God to take me home with him to eternity. They surrounded my bed, reading the Bible, singing praise and worship, praying, laying their hands on me. After they were done, Aunty Esther took my hand and said “Philian you rise up and walk!” I was in pain as they helped me get up, sit in my bed, they put my shoes on and then led me to the living room. And miracles of miracles, Mom and Aunty Esther held my hand and crying, I walked from my room to the Sala.
Since the Night worship service was happening in church and the women were going to go, they asked me if I can join them. So, my siblings changed my clothes, put my socks and pink walking shoes. (How can I remember those details boggles my mind, it is amazing, as I was in a bad state before that) While in church, I was sitting, standing and when testimony came, I was helped and walked to the front and shared my testimony on how God healed me instead of taking me home. That was my first time to share my testimony on how God healed me, gave me a new life and extended it. Gave me the answer of a prayer, a husband a bigger family, and see the nephews, nieces and grandchildren grow.
Forty years from March 6, 1982 has been a long time. I have travelled far and wide, have met people from all walks of life and of different cultures, have taught and learned in different classrooms and locations. God allowed me practice a profession and a vocation, made me an educator, a cross culture missionary, development worker, and a public legislator.
Forty years ago, a miracle happened and continue to happen in these times.
O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am. (psalm 39:4)
family is important
Posted on: May 2, 2021
During this Pandemic, the lock downs have created venues and opportunities that brought some families together for the longest time. This is a blessing to some and to others a restriction. No matter how one sees it; the opportunity or the restriction; the blessing or the curse. It is that half empty, half full glass viewpoint. No matter how we perceive these times to be, to most it was an opportunity to focus and value family.
Thinking about family, makes me remember my father. He was a family provider all our lives as a family. He has been working and our family never lack, though some would say “not so because I wanted something I never got.” But I remember as a small child where food was paramount, we never lacked because of mom and dad. When I was in UB Science High School I can always buy the required books, watch all the required shows and would run to the market to mom, or to Dad’s office if we need to buy a book or pay some contribution of some sort. As a college student I was already working, but still mom and dad paid all the bills. Except some of my tuition when I was on scholarship.
Me and my siblings even earned extra money by helping in the chores and in the market. It was all family life. Those days with mom, dad and siblings gave us memories of our younger days where we do most things together. These did not continue as we grow older and each of us had our own friends, own families and own undertaking.
Family life was extended a little for us because our parents allowed us to be part of the family businesses they set up. Some of us experienced working in the market – hilltop and later on Hanger Market. Most of us, if not all, had worked in the school at one time in our life. I worked in the accounting office as a working student in college. Some of us siblings worked at the hotel and the retail business of my mom. I remember my brother working with dad in the insurance business. My mom and dad were always engaged in one business and would invite us to join them, and some of us did.
Unfortunately, family life was also interrupted with some family squabbles which could be traced back to times that my dad was an absentee dad during our childhood days. Amazing how those seem to have been magnified when we hear someone say “dad, you were not there.” Or during a graduation, where dad was not around to hang the medals to his children and I remember my brother no longer going back on stage to claim his last medal because my dad was not around. It was because dad was somewhere else “serving others.”
In his later years, dad tried to catch up with the family. And when he heard the misgivings, he apologized for his lack of participation in some portions of our lives that to children were seen important. He apologized not only once, but I counted three occasions where he apologized, for his absence during our childhood moments of celebration. We were already grownups and my siblings have already their families and had a better understanding of family life – balancing looking for family provision and spending quality time with family.
This pandemic time, maybe the longest time that my husband and I would be together 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and every day of the month. It started last year when we were in San Diego, California when the Covid 19 broke, and came home just one day before the lockdown was declared by the President and the AITF. From that day on, most days were spent together building relationships, renewing friendship and creating memories within the confines of home.
There were times, that I have to leave my husband and be in the city doing work but it also gives me the reflection of what has happened to my father in his old age. Feeling sorry he was not part of our family life and celebrations. And in that reflection, I had made a comfortable decision that in all things – family first after God. So, it is now, and I will not wait that at the later part of my life I will regret. That instead of being with my husband I was out there serving others, and will regret later. God has been good that even in my age he has given me the capability to learn and be able to work at home, learn virtual conferences, where my presence in my absence.
My city hall office continues to run as none of my staff are senior citizens and none have become covid positive. I continue to pray for their protection and health. Because of their presence, the virtual platforms and the connectivity, I continue to be with family and still work 24 hours, seven days a week.
the March that was
Posted on: May 2, 2021
March 2021 passed so fast and now April is gone too. March came and disrupted my schedules, my plans, my normal activities, I also missed a lot of them. A regular Tuesday radio program. that never happened because I forgot the days. The Sangal Di kultura that is a venue to share some thought, have remained to be in the mind and never written.
The city council sessions that were heated with debates that returned proposed ordinances I wrote, back to my committee for a couple of times for a phrase or a word that does not fancy a fellow legislator. The month, where I had schedules that were haywire as I battle with occasional physical issues of minor pains and discomfort that complicates basic motions of walk and sit.
April went so fast as I quarantine and balance family, work demands and church commitments. March and April, will go down on a record that I keep getting sick after every exposure outside the home. Is it psychological or signs my immune system is going down? More often I pray the healer’s prayer.
But let me remember moments and thought of the March that was.
March 6 was a spiritual renewal for me 39 years ago. The night I stood and walked from a sick bed where I laid wasting away for over six months, unable to walk, doing nothing but laying down in my bed at the mercy of my parents and siblings. And that morning I wrote my last will and testament, prayed and committed my life – a broken body and spirit, and begged that God take me home to the heavens. That night the women fellowship prayer warriors from the church, that my mom was a member of had that much faith to ask them to come and pray for me so I will walk. God’s faithfulness was at work and I walked, gave my testimony in the church service that night. How I came to be in that state, will be another story.
March, my brother-in-law Billy died. I saw my husband seemingly lost and would take a day for him to finally accept the fact and join the wake. It was a time to comfort the family as we also took care of some practical concerns of the wake and the burial. Manong Billy was the politician that never was. He can be sitting with top head of the Liberal Party that he supports (he crossed lines, when I run for public office) and could also be seen among the young people playing darts at the bar. He could be where people most congregate whether political or not and would even easily speak out his mind. He will be long remembered by people he has mingled with and by the family he loved and served. When he visits our home for a party or simply dropping by, he would be bringing in blessings – bananas or other fruits or simply some bread.
March 30 was the birthday of our late Mom, which our family celebrated together but alone. Mother Maria as she was fondly called by family and relatives. In our childhood Mom was a stay home mother, a typical survival home farmer tending lots of chickens, pigs and at one time rabbits for food and for sale. We had our own vegetable home gardens. Whatever we produce beyond our needs of pechay and bananas we sell to the neighbors. And as if that was not enough, we had our uma in the mountains which is now called Quirino Hill. At that time, we call it Carabao mountain as it looks like the back of a carabao sitting down. We had camote, bananas, peanuts, cassava and other things that my mom, auntie and us siblings would plant in the barren space of the mountain. Mother has always been our teacher in “love of work” “observe the seasons of the year” “industriousness” “never a dull moment life” she was full of energy and never runs out of things to do. The March 2021 that was.
Anti Gambling Resolution
Posted on: June 30, 2012
Resolution introduced by Councilor Philian Louise Weygan-Allan
RESOLUTIONS URGING CERTAIN SECTORS TO UNDERTAKE AN ANTI-GAMBLING CAMPAIGN IN THE CITY OF BAGUIO CITY
WHEREAS, PAGCOR reports that as of March 2012 it has gained a robust 3.67 gross income its 10th month to surpass previous earnings under the new administration. According to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat, the March record feat now goes down in history as “PAGCOR’s highest total income ever posted for a single month since the Philippine government went into the direct management of casino operations 26 years ago”;
WHEREAS, the technical definition of gambling is to play a game for money or to bet on an uncertain outcome;
WHEREAS, gambling in the Philippines proliferated because of it being legal like Casino, Cock fighting, Horse racing, lottery, Bingo and others;
WHEREAS, RA 9287 known as the Philippine Law against Illegal Gambling defines what is legal and illegal gambling;
WHEREAS, recently gambling proliferated the city of Baguio amidst the numerous trade fairs, Bingo sa Barangay and other similar fund raising activities, tainting the image of Baguio as a City of Character, tourist destination, educational and business center;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, URGING CERTAIN SECTORS TO UNDERTAKE AN ANTI-GAMBLING CAMPAIGN IN THE CITY OF BAGUIO
FURTHER, that organizations and institutions undertaking ethical programs like the Character City Council, government departments, employees associations, schools, churches, Barangays, business associations and other sectors be encouraged to the join anti gambling campaigns.
SO MOVED.
Respectfully submitted to the City Secretary for inclusion in the Agenda.
Councilor Philian Louise Weygan-Allan
P.D. 1602: Gambling Laws
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1602 SIMPLIFYING AND PROVIDING STIFFER PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF PHILIPPINE GAMBLING LAWS
WHEREAS, Philippine Gambling Laws particularly Articles 195-199, the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act No. 3063 (Horse Racing Bookies), Presidential Decree No. 499 (Cockfighting), Presidential Decree No. 483, (Game Fixing), Presidential Decree No., 519 (Slot Machines) and Presidential Decree No. 1036 (Jai-alai Bookies) and other City and Municipal Ordinances gambling all over the country have become ineffective and easily circumvented in view of the confusing and inappropriate system of penalties imposed on violations thereof.
WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to update these gambling laws for simplicity and clearer understanding and to standardize and provide stiffer penalties for their violations to make them more effective and responsive to the present norms of conduct and behavior of the people.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and in order to effect the desired and necessary changes and reforms in the social and economic structure of our society, do hereby order and declare to be part of the laws of the land, the following:
Sec. 1. Violations and Penalties. — The penalty of prision mayor in its medium degree or a fine ranging from Five Hundred Pesos to Two Thousand Pesos and in case of recidivism the penalty of prision correccional in its medium degree or a fine of ranging from One Thousand Pesos to Six Thousand Pesos shall be imposed upon:
(a) Any person other than those referred to in the succeeding subsection who in any manner, shall directly or indirectly take part in any game of cockfighting, jueteng, bookies (jai- alai or horse racing to include game fixing) and other lotteries, cara y cruz or pompiang and the like, black jack, lucky nine, “pusoy” or Russian Poker, monte, baccarat and other card games, palk que, domino, mahjong, high and low, slot machines, roullette, pinball and other mechanical inventories or devices, dog racing, boat racing, car raising and other races, basketball, volleyball, boxing, seven-eleven dice games and the like and other contests to include game fixing, point shaving and other machinations banking or percentage game, or any other game or scheme, whether upon chance or skill, which do not have a franchise from the national government, wherein wagers consisting of money, articles of value of representative of value are made;
(b) Any person who shall knowingly permit any form of gambling referred to in the preceding subdivision to be carried on in inhabited or uninhabited places or any building, vessel or other means of transportation owned or controlled by him. If the place where gambling is carried on has a reputation of a gambling place or that prohibited gambling is frequently carried on therein or the place is a public or government building or barangay hall, the culprit shall be punished by the penalty provided for in its maximum period and a fine of Six Thousand Pesos.
The penalty of prision correccional in its maximum degree and a fine of Six Thousand Pesos shall be imposed upon the maintainer, conductor of the above gambling schemes.
The penalty of prision mayor in its medium degree and temporary absolute disqualification and a fine of Six Thousand Pesos shall be imposed if the maintainer, conductor or banker is a government official, or if a player, promoter, referee, umpire, judge or coach in cases of game-fixing, point-shaving and other game machination.
The penalty of prision correccional in its medium degree and a fine ranging from Five Hundred pesos to Two Thousand Pesos shall be imposed upon any person who shall knowingly and without lawful purpose in any hour of any day shall have in his possession any lottery list, paper, or other matter containing letter, figures, signs or symbols which pertain to or in any manner used in the game of jueteng, jai-alai or horse racing bookies and similar game or lottery which has taken place or about to take place.
Sec. 2. Barangay Official. — Any barangay official in whose jurisdiction such gambling house is found and which house has the reputation of a gambling place shall suffer the penalty of prision correccional in its medium period and a fine ranging from Five Hundred to Two Thousand Pesos and temporary absolute disqualifications.
Sec. 3. Informer’s Reward. — Any person who shall give the information that will lead to the arrest and final conviction of the offender shall be rewarded an amount equivalent to Twenty Per Centum (20%) of the cash money confiscated form the offender.
Sec. 4. Repealing Clause. — The provisions of Articles 196, 197, 198 and 199 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, Republic Act No. 3063, Presidential Decree Nos. 483, 499, 510, 1306, Letter of Instructions, laws, executive orders, rules and regulations, City and Municipal Ordinances which are inconsistent with this Decree are hereby repealed or accordingly modified.
Sec. 5. Effectivity. — This Decree shall take effect immediately upon publication thereof by the Minister of the Ministry of Public Information at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.
DONE in the City of Manila, this 11th day of June in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-eight.
RESEARCH RESULTS : A PROFILE OF DIASPORA PHILANTHROPY IN THE CORDILLERA REGION
Posted on: May 27, 2012
- In: abra | culture | diaspora philantrophy | education | Historical places | igorot | Igorot culture | igorots | maeng | mother tongue | philian weygan | tourist destination
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THE PROFILE AND MANAGEMENT OF DIASPORA PHILANTHROPY IN THE CORDILLERA
By Philian Louise Weygan Allan
February, 2012
Summary of the research for Oral Presentation
A. As to problem statement, conclusions and recommendations
| Problem Statement
(Pages 72-73) |
Conclusion
(Pages 174-183) |
Recommendations (Pages 184-194) |
| 1) What is the profile of Diaspora philanthropy/giving with respect to
1.1 Donors/Givers and 1.2 Recipients? |
1.a Donors
There are substantial evidence of a Cordillera region Diaspora Philanthropy. 1.b Recipients All of the provinces in CAR are recipients of Diaspora philanthropy. |
1.a Recommendation 1
A staff organization is recommended to further study the recipients and donors.
1.c Recommendation 5 A study on the recipients and donors should further be made to give an idea on the matching of needs and donations. |
| 2 ) What facilitate the Diaspora Giving in terms of the following factors
2.1 Cultural, 2.2 Socio-economic and 2.3 Political? |
2.a
Cordillera Diaspora Philanthropy is generally motivated by cultural and traditional heritage. 2.b Diaspora philanthropy greatly responds to Socio Economic needs including education, medical and relief. |
2.a
Recommendation 1. A staff organization is recommended to further study the factors.
|
| 3) What management process is practiced/implemented in Diaspora giving/philanthropy regarding
3.1 Objective setting, 3.2 Profiling of recipients, 3.3 Methods of implementation, 2.4 Indicators of success and 3.5 Monitoring and Evaluation procedures? |
3.a There is a lack of documentation on the donors and recipients of Diaspora philanthropy.
3.b There are management patterns that govern the Diaspora philanthropy. 3.c The project management processes are wanting in some areas. 3.d Leadership is assumed and the structures are formed through consensus among members of Cordillera Diaspora philanthropic organizations although they remain voluntary and flexible. |
Recommendation 1.
A staff organization is recommended to further study management processes. 3.b Recommendation 2. The project development and management process of Diaspora giving needs to be improved. 3.c Recommendation 4 A focused study be conducted to assess the impact of the various Diaspora philanthropy in the region specially those received by government and non-government agencies 3.d. Recommendation 5 A study on the recipients and donors should further be made to give an idea on the matching of needs and donations. 3.e. Recommendation 6 Case studies can be conducted to focus on best practices of managing Diaspora giving/philanthropy |
b.SUMMARY AS TO RESEARCH FINDINGS
| Problem Statement
(Pages 72-73) |
Research Data |
| 1) What is the profile of Diaspora philanthropy/giving with respect to
1.1 Donors/Givers and 1.2 Recipients? |
Table 2 – Table on Frequency as to location of Donors
Table 3 showing the years the organizations were started Table 5 – Organizational Purpose And Location Table 10 Profile of Recipients as to location, kind of Assistance and Donor Table 11 Summary of Recipients as to project purpose per donor Table 13-Recipients as to individuals/families and institutions Table 14 No of recipients as to municipalities, Provinces and cities of the Cordillera Region
|
| 2 ) What facilitate the Diaspora Giving in terms of the following factors
2.1 Cultural, 2.2 Socio-economic and 2.3 Political? |
Table 10 -Profile of Recipients as to location, kind of Assistance and Donor
Table 11 Summary of Recipients as to project purpose per donor |
| 3) What management process is practiced/implemented in Diaspora giving/philanthropy regarding
3.1 Objective setting, 3.2 Profiling of recipients, 3.3 Methods of implementation, 2.4 Indicators of success and 3.5 Monitoring and Evaluation procedures? |
Table 11 Summary of Recipients as to project purpose per donor
Table 12 Summary as to aid to government and non government institution/recipients Table 13-Recipients as to individuals/families and institutions Table 15 –Givers’ response to Impact of programs and project Table 16- Givers’ Perception as to the presence of the Project Management Process
|
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IV. AGUMNA-O, had 3 children numbered A to C.
A. Dalisa
1. Catingban – Weygan
1(a) Pedro Weygan – married Cresencia Dapeg from Apayao
1(b) Fermin with children Marco and Isa
1(c) Kokoy aka Karlo who in turn begat 2 children,
1(d) Nikki
2(d) Andy Weygan
2(c) Marco Weygan married to Amandeep (Virginia,USA)
2(d) Amrik
2(d) Amelia
3(c) Isabel Weygan
2(b) Fermin Weygan married to Marilou Padilla
4(c) Charlene Weygan
5(c) Kyle Weygan
2(b) Helen Weygan married to Paul Moses (Texas,USA)
1(c) Lee Paul Weygan Moses
2(c) John Paul Weygan Moses
3(c) Titus Lee Weygan Moses
3(b) Carol married to Terry Hildebrand (Hawai, USA)
1(c) Anna Noelani Hildebrand
4(b) Teddy Weygan married to Dana Calimlim
1(c) Dawne wayne Weygan
2(c) Doulle Weygan
3(c) Dynaly Weygan
5(b) Julie Weygan married to Jake Aparato (Manila)
1(c) Mikael Aparato
2(c) Gabriel Aparato
3(c) Alaika Aparato
2(a) Soliman- married Fruto Dalmas Magantino
1(b) Constance(+) married to Fr. Mauro Damian (+)
1(c)
2(c) Gertrude
3(c) Danny
4(c) Allan
5(c) Mona
2(b) Saturnina married to Pascual Dalmacio
1(c) Marie Joy
2(c) Jordan
3(c) Erickson
4(c) Michael
5(c) Mark Peter
3(b) Rosita Pinkerton
Michelle Pinkerton
4(b) Adeline married to JB Hoover
Ashley Hoover
5(b) Juanito Magantino married to Patricia
Princess
6(b) Fruto Magantino Jr. Married to
7(b) Susan Dalmas
8(b) Cornelia Dalmas Johnson
9(b) Davis Magantino
10(b) Roy Magantino
3(a) Galo (former Baguio City Councilor) married Maria Cuanguey (+) of Padangaan
1(b) Galo Weygan Jr married to Grace Almacen Weygan
1(c) Glycerine (Gail) Weygan,
2(c) Gretel Weygan and
2 © Grechen Weygan (twins)
2(b) Joyce Weygan
3(b) Philian Louise Weygan (city Councilor) married to John D. Allan
4(b) John Weygan
1(c) Arabella Aisa Weygan,
1(c)1 Heart Frenzella
2(c) Jan Michael (Jake) Weygan
5(b) Evangeline Weygan– married to Aquilino Antolin Jr –
1(c) Anna Christina Weygan Antolin
2(c) Joseph Manuel Weygan Antolin
6(b) Andrew – married to Yora Kiaco
1(c) Aby Weygan
2(c) Sacha Garah Weygan married to Al Jasmin
2(c)1 -Nama Weygan Jasmin
3(c) Yuri Weygan
7(b) Marlene Weygan- married to Samuel Baluyut
1(c) Silver Mark Weygan Baluyut married to Joy Gaza
8(b) Jennifer Weygan married to Jayson Martin
4 (a) Mary – married to Roger Balaki of Catengan
1(b) Richard Allan Balaki – Letty Simon 1(c) Arley
2(c) Lester married to Marinette Ramirez
3(c) Adeline
4(c) Nalisa
5(c) Richard Allan Jr.
6(c) Wyline
7(c) Zephyree
2 (b) Julieta Balaki – Leopoldo Silvino
1(c) Lezer Jane
2(c) Jester
3(c) Japhet
3 (b) Zenith Balaki – Rolando Macni
1(c) Ronith Paul
2(c) Ronald
4 (b) Johnny Balaki- Lyrissa Tobiagon
1(c) Opal Mea
2(c) Alexa Rea
3(c) John Jones
5 (b) Epifania (A.K.A. Fanny) Balaki
6 (b) Roger Balaki Jr. – Alenia Docyogen
1(c) Regine
2(c) Gerson Clyde
3(c) Roger Shaun
4(c) Jaybee
5(c) Jheallaine
7 (b) Julio Balaki (Deceased)
We are Partner stewards of the city
Posted on: May 2, 2012
We are partner stewards of the city
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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