I Want the Baguio Local Government to Succeed
September 30, 2008 by lisa
Filed under opinion-editorial
I’m sorry, call me old-fashioned and idealistic (not that those are negative traits) but I believe in statesmanship, of putting the good of the country above one’s personal interests. And those in power who do not think that way are, to put it very lightly, SCUM.
These people are bad because they use the people’s money for personal enrichment and to be able to stay in power to steal some more from us — for their entire lifetime, too, if we let them.
Parents, by accepting this as “the not-so-deplorable” state of affairs, are you saying that you are going to raise a whole new generation that thinks this way? “At least nung panahon ni Marcos, siya lang ang nagnanakaw, ngayon lahat na sila.” To this I say, “Wow!”
I used to think that one should stay away from politics because it is a dirty game that only bad people play (hey, and nope, no one’s running for mayor here) but I have changed my mind about that. If good people stay away from politics, then the bad people are going to win by default.
Then there’s something of a middle ground, something I feel I am suited for and comfortable with — the role of a private citizen active in politics. And here, my medium is blogging. Offline, it would be trying to organize the business sector and other members of civil society into action.
I love the role of fiscalizer. Because if I were an apathetic person, if I kept my mouth shut, then I would become part of the problem. I like to be able to use my brains and my experience to be able to analyze where things are succeeding and where they are failing.
I also like to think that because I am older, because I have seen many parts of the world, because I have lived in the truly highly urbanized city that is Manila, because I have been doing business in Baguio City for the past 17 years (since Halfway House after the earthquake), because I studied in UP Diliman, because I am friends with both the Pony Boys, the vegetable dealers as well as the old families of Baguio and the Chinese businessmen, that I am uniquely qualified to write commentaries on contemporary Baguio.
I would also like to think that because I have been blessed with an analytical mind, an active imagination and raised by a family that puts God, country, family (in that order) before one’s own concerns, that the suggestions I make here are pretty sound, and better yet, devoid of personal interests.
Oh yes, I have biases! I am biased in favor of the Filipino people, I am biased in favor of the environment, I am biased in favor of economic prosperity for all. I am biased in favor of order, of class, of safety, of clean air, of clean surroundings. I am biased against pollution of any sort: air, visual, noise, and pollution of the mind.
So here I am writing, hoping to get the ear of the ‘powers that be.’ Although I’m pretty sure this site has gotten their ear and sometimes their ire. But what can be irksome about the truth, tell me?
I suppose, for the politicians, life is all about the exercise of power, which I hear is pretty addictive. Where, oh where, are the statesmen?
So here I am doing my little bit online to reach a good number of folks, both within and outside of the City of Pines who all have in common a deep love and concern for this unique mountain city in the Pacific, hoping to galvanize folks into individual and collective action.
Simple things: let’s plant trees and flowers in our gardens, let’s have a curfew for the safety of the children, let’s provide garages for our vehicles, let’s patronize good places that render a unique service, let’s support worthy civilian projects like the bike rides for the environment or a book against child abuse, let’s smile (thanks Cynthia!), let’s lobby for better rates for our English tutors.
Then there’s that juicy part of saying, “Hey, Mr. Mayor, I disagree with you!” which is my right, which is your right, too. I have found my voice, I am wanting to help you find yours, too.
For if we are able to tell the local government what we want and what we do not like, the first battle in the fight for Baguio’s survival has been won.
We just...
Oh, what a piece Lisa! Everyone should read this. To me, you are THE Baguio resident. You should submit this to our local papers for printing. Please, keep on writing about Baguio. Thanks!
You are right, Lisa….the last time I was at Burnham park, April 22, 2008 with my kids at 7pm, i don’t feel safe anymore. There were no lights. It was very dark considering it is at the heart of the city. And during the day, sidewalk vendors are all over. This is the reason why friends and relatives doesn’t feel like going up there. They say “wag na lang, it’s like you’re in Divisoria, Quiapo, Baclaran, etc…”
Along the stretch of Session Road, it is annoying to see that ukay-ukay stores are strewn all over.
Beautiful flowers that usually adorn the city and give it that mystifying effect are now gone.
Yes, they have the right to do business, but the local government must implement rules and regulations to keep the city clean and orderly.
I really love Baguio. Kaya nga po i keep coming back.Though it is facing many problems now, it remains to me as the most beautiful place in the Philippines. I want to remember Baguio like it was decades ago.
Like you, i believe the downfall of the present administration is not the answer. Rather, it is by strictly implementing rules and regulations like, honest-to-goodness tax collection, using the funds to where it must go, following guidelines in giving business permits and for the public officials to give
public service with utmost sincerity.
Sweet of you to think so, Resty. Thanks
Lalaine dear, hay naku, it was the same love like yours that made me invest in the city AFTER the earthquake and take up permanent residence during the Asian economic crisis in 1997. Single that I was, it was pretty easy to uproot myself.
We are trying to wake up as many people as possible to the sad realities of the place because in acknowledging there is a problem, we can start fixing things, both in our personal capacities and as a powerful organized force.
“Did you ever wish wish for a better Baguio?”
This comment came from from one of my instructors in the University and my answer is simple: every time I wake up and let the air enter my lungs, I ALWAYS wish for a better Baguio. Many students also feels the same way as I do but the problem is that they blame the city government.
“walang kwenta kasi ung city government eh.” (The city government is useless) or “walang kwenta kasi ung sistema.” (The system is useless)
I say no.
It is not the City Government that has problems but rather it is the PEOPLE in the city government that has problems, it is the PEOPLE running the system that has problems.
It is the people who is running the show not the system or the government for they are just tools to help the people.
This is what I always tell to people who tend to complain about what is happening here in Baguio and “put all the blame on the tools rather than the unskilled worker.” which is why i find this post interesting.
I really thought that I am the only person arguing people not to blame the system but rather blame the people (which implicitly implies themselves).
The City of Baguio needs more people thinking like you Lisa.
And by the way, this post brought a tear to my eye.
Oh Acid Rayne,
Let’s expand this a bit further with a painful question — who is it that put these people in office?
So in the end, it’s the voter’s fault — for abdicating the running of a city to a “few bad men.”
But were these men born bad? Probably not! They have just been able to distort a good system without being held accountable by the populace, or worse yet, with the populace jumping right in and taking, in cahoots with those in power, everything they can from the city.
And who loses? the future generations. They will be raised with distorted values. Heck, it is precisely the mismanagement of the Philippines that has separated the OFW mothers and fathers from their children, leaving them to grow up without guidance. The children will grow up not knowing parks and trees and clean air. They will think that sucking up to the powers that be will be the mode for advancement.
Again, it’s good to recognize the enemy now and fix the world. The enemy, it turns out, is us.
Represented, of course, by the politicians.
Good news, we change ourselves first, then we change the city managers, then we make sure they perform honestly and competently. It is in our power to fire them.
And please know that your comment has brought a big smile to my face
hi! I love this site! Thanks for the heads up. I am not blind to the city’s faults… and I’m praying that the people do wake up in time to save Baguio.
Despite all this, I’m still looking forward to moving to Baguio…I just hope I could find the right job.
Hi Tiara (Dabawenyang Iska),
Should you move to Baguio, will you have to rename your blog?
Vintage Liza… keep it up. We love you, dearie!
the last time that i was there was on Dec of 2005. i was disappointed because aside from being over-crowded, the trees along san carlos heights were gone. it was a pine forest when we were kids.
Yes, Kai, the trees are going.
As a visitor, you have two options — stay away forever because you don’t find it nice anymore…
…or pressure somebody in charge to get trees planted. Those in charge would be: members of your family who still live here, your friends, the barangay, local government.
You can’t stand the over-crowding, then help develop places of interest far from session road, lobby to get the jeepneys re-routed so they do not wait to fill up their vehicles in the center of town.
In other words, while we appreciate how you feel, know that it is in YOU to do something about this dilemma, if you love the place you knew as a kid.
This make-over that we want to bring back Baguio of the old days will be a tough battle for sure, but little acts do count a lot.
We, as individuals in our own little way can start rebuilding Baguio. Start in our own home…like seggregate the garbage, plant trees, clean the surroundings. If we do these, then take the next step by bringing the issue to the local government and make a wake-up call.
Fantastic attitude, Lalaine!
That’s precisely it! We start from our homes and then radiate — make sure our neighbors green their houses with envy, too!
Hi Lisa,
Yes, Baguio must succeed!
Having said that, and having, hopefully, complied with the topic, you can just imagine my surprise and delight finding you while googling Baguio. Can’t seem to find your email add though, which is why I just posted here.
I have to ask – do you still have the Benz?
Ingat,
Thad
p.s. I’m planning to go to Baguio with my wife soon
Hiya Thadd-eus!
Thanks for ‘complying’ — hahaha!
How’s Cebu? Haven’t seen you in DECADES, my dear seatmate!
Nope the Benz is long gone… Have other cute cars and when you get up to Baguio with the wife, we can go for a spin!
You have a few brods here — all kings! Des is UB of course, Rolly sa Inquirer, Rico sa Country Club, Kidlat sa Cultural scene, and Louis Pawid ‘90, who’s become a good friend in the past 11 years, is the Baguio boy-Gordon guy (and who is beside me – pan de coco and coffee in hand) as I write! We slept together last night — long story — hahaha!
Will contact you via your email …
We cant help it Baguio population is increasing by leaps and bounds and the only solution is to to make the adjoining towns to be a part of metropolitan Baguio,Big Universities and other government agencies should transfer to these areas and of course develop a satellite market that can rival the existing Baguio market,offer an incentive like lower taxes or tax perks to attract both foreign and local investors,plan a reliable mode of tranportation, a circumferential road that connect each town for an easier access and affordable Housing projects on each town.Lisa I believe that unless these are realize Baguio will be stuck to its present condition forever.
Hi Ed,
Wonderful suggestions and I hope the folks in charge of overpopulating Baguio are listening…
Yes, time to fan out all the new hotels, exclusive clubs, condominiums and government buildings, etc. to Itogon, Tuba, other areas in Benguet. Baguio has reached its limit.
Hi Resty,
Hotels must be near the tourist attractions. It’s the schools, because they make Baguio look like Quiapo, that must move out.
The schools do not need to be around Session Road and Burnham Park. They should be in Longlong, or in Lucnab or in Beckel. The owners have no vision for even a campus. They’re happy with building clusters. Wow!
I agree about the government buildings, too, because they can be put anywhere, really. But since Baguio is the administrative center, and is a city independent of Benguet, maybe we can move them all to Irisan, including city hall, and turn city hall into a museum. Perfect!
Without commercial centers being developed elsewhere, we will not have a Metro Baguio. Everything can be had in the Baguio City Market and Session Road still, and even with Danny Farinas’s satellite markets, the residents `an only buy the ingredients for lunch there, which is wasteful, as they must go to the center of town anyway for other supplies.
Ok, let’s move SM City Baguio from the city center, too.
Plenty of people complain about how bad things have gotten in Baguio. Some say the government doesn’t care (I could believe that) or are just ignorant of the issues (this too), or that they might care and they might know the issues but just have no idea how to address the problems (ditto for this.)
The thing is, WE THE PUBLIC HAVE THE POWER AND AUTHORITY to change things if we all come together and put in the effort. The government officials were ELECTED into office. They did not inherit or were divinely assigned their positions so that we can’t question or disagree with their actions. In fact, THEY WORK FOR US!!! A fact that they have conveniently forgotten and should be reminded of. They should be putting the needs of the city and her citizens before themselves. Instead, they grow richer from the money the public uses to pay for taxes.
We have to put up with a filthy city with garbage on the streets and poison in the air. We have to put up with congested roads. We have to put up with street vendors clogging the sidewalks and an ancient city market. We have to put up with trees being cut down and squaters encoaching everywhere. We have to put up with pick pockets and robbers. I could go on and on. And now, the question is why? Well, the public servants that we put our faith and trust in to look over our wellfare, are the very same who ignore their duty in their quest for wealth and power. And you know the worst part? We let them.
Yeah you heard me. We let them get away with it. Most of the population is either uneducated as to their rights and powers or are just too indifferent. Just keep your head down and endure for the rest of the term of the current mayor and so forth. Survive and hope that the next elected official will be a better person. Unless we give them no option but to become better people by no longer accepting their current actions, then nothing will change.
It has been ingrained in the Filipino culture to defer to the actions of politicians and even go so far as give them preferential treatment. Look around Baguio and you’ll see signs of such injustice everywhere. Like a no parking zone miraculously becoming a valid parking area just because of a red license plate. And to add insult to injury, it’s not just the elected officials abusing their authority, other public servants have as well like the police. If you’re a driver, then you know just what I mean.
The use their sirens illegally just to cut through the traffic, even driving on the other side of the road. They go through red lights, make illegal U-turns, park wherever they want. How can you possibly trust the police to keep the peace, to enforce laws and to protect your life and property when they can’t follow the same laws they have promised to uphold?
Michelle Obama states in one sentence the type of mindset the Baguio City Government and its public servants should have in order for our city to flourish. She said “…there should be no definition of success without service to others…”
“They did not inherit or were divinely assigned their positions so that we can’t question or disagree with their actions. In fact, THEY WORK FOR US!!!”
Yes, Jessica, and we somehow have to remind them of that fact. We also have to prepare others to take over leadership of the city in the next elections. All the politicians — Bautista and those before him — have not helped the city.
We have to remind folks that even Domogan, though still popular among the clueless masses, rammed that flyover down our throats. And yet he stands to win again in 2010. Tama na!
I am just wondering. When our garbage was hauled, they called it a solution. When vendors were allowed to vend, they called it an accommodation. When high rise buildings were built all around the city, they called it transformation. And when a multitude of migrants entered, they called it urbanization. So it’s safe to say then that when the city implodes on itself, we shall call such a justification. What a pity.
However, we should be optimistic and still be positive that maybe change may happen. The City of Baguio has the potential to reclaim its status as one the best cities in the Philippines. However, its inexhaustible supply of acrimony, cynicism and outright selfishness – especially as manifested by the political class has thwarted its aspirations should be addressed first.
Baguio Citizens should rally around constructive reforms aimed at long term solutions and development. Only when the city government and its people embrace disciplined measures can the city achieve lasting prosperity. Who knows? Within the next few years, our city may just emacipate itself from its current quagmires and regains its rightful place one more.
Well then again, I would like our local government to succeed.
hi. i will have to give up the blog and move to another name. I plan to pass the blog to some friends in school who are willing to write for dabawenyang iska.
Hi Tiara,
So you have relocated? Good to know. Let’s do coffee sometime…
Yes the private sector has also has to take up its role. And here is a section of the private sector that can play an important role in our aspirations for better leadership from “US” the electorate. Listen to this: http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/majora_carter_s_tale_of_urban_renewal.html