Look at the bright side

Posted on April 11, 2007 - Filed Under Punch Forum |

Nini Sison-Centeno
10 April 2007

 

To Mr Jevie Jebong de Guzman,

You sound so bitter about Vice Gov. Lambino! I wonder why? First of all, I would like to correct your "gut feeling" that Vice Gov. Lambino is my relative. He is not my relative but I know him well to say good things about him.

Are you not happy that Malasiqui became the first class municipality? Have you tried to see the advantages of being one? Look for the positive side that might be good for the people …but not for the good of just few like you, who came from abroad and acclaim good fortune.

Have you not heard about VG Lambino being voted as the best mayor of the province of Pangasinan during his term? You are talking about the bad roads of Malasiqui. Have you checked that some roads are supposed to be classified as "provincial" roads and "municipal" roads? The "bad" roads you have mentioned are the same roads I passed almost everyday when I went to work in Dagupan! Did you check whose responsibility would that be? That road was considered provincial road which a mayor would not be able to do something but to ask the provincial government to do something or the congressman in the third district!

Without a doubt, you seem to be in the "upper middle class" in the town of Malasiqui who can afford to have the luxury of a car for transportation. How about those poor people who could not afford such luxuries that you enjoy like me during those times?

Without you knowing it, I personally made an appeal to the "mayor" who was VG Lambino then. I became an advocate of "repair" of that particular road you mentioned and it was during these times that I have learned the so called "territorial” governance.

Yes, I am not taking your comment personally since you are a good citizen who is just voicing your opinion but I believe that you should know first the facts before you dip your fingers into the scenario. You know that "jueteng" is a very serious "vice" that could not easily be stopped by a mayor. It would involve a lot of people's cooperation including the townspeople of Malasiqui.

Did you ever think that "we" have a responsibility too as a good citizen? We should do our part before we throw fingers to one man! History tells that "jueteng" has been a part of the people's lives especially those who live in barangays. You are smart enough to know that "changes" of one's life take sometime or worst of it, would not be accepted at all by citizens who have reached the "senior years".

If you say that VG Lambino's politics is a "politics of convenience who do not represent the middle class" who do you think is a good one to represent the middle class? I am not in a position to discuss with you the detailed wealth of VG Lambino except that his wealth are reported publicly one of which you have specified in a particular website. I know for a fact that VG Lambino is an open book and his wealth is known to all…the reason of the website.

Please do not underestimate VG Lambino's capacity to increase his assets. He belongs to a good clan…the Bengzons of Lingayen. If you claim you come from Malasiqui, you know very well his father, Dr. Antonio Lambino who, during his prime time, was one of the topnotchers in the medical board of exam. He got 100% in anatomy which Rockefeller Foundation prompted to offer him a scholarship in New York but he declined in favor of staying in Malasiqui to put up a hospital for the poor.

Have you heard about "hospital na daan"? Ask your parents because I believe you belong to a younger generation! The bottom line that I am trying to point at is that VG Lambino is not just a politician who just sprouted from nowhere. He comes from a good family of good principles in life. Like his father, he offered his service for the people of Malasiqui and now, for the people of Pangasinan. It is not fair to judge him now, give him a chance to prove himself.

Jevie, I know you belong to another "party" that is probably different from VG Lambino's but as a Malasiquinian, I suggest that you see the "brighter" side of the town. Prior to the "politics" of Lambino and Soriano, the town has undergone a lot of serious experiences from a political dynasty. Malasiqui was once branded as "goon town". It would be better to think that somebody of our own would represent and could speak for us in the provincial government.

I am not in a spirit of "debate" as you have challenged me. I know you are so eloquent and probably that is your "expertise". I am suggesting though that instead of a debate, see around the town to find out "what you can do for the town or barangays". You are so blessed financially and sharing your blessings to the poor and needy is the best "legacy" you would ever give or leave behind. We should not expect so much from others….we start from our own!

God Bless!
Nini Sison-Centeno

 

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