March 29, 2024

Something weird just happened to this near-sighted Ibaloy writer recently. I was listening to the radio when the host announced that it is only so-and-so days before Christmas.
It suddenly made me realize that indeed, the so-called happiest day of the year is just around the corner and I totally forgot about it what with Covid-19 dominating traditional and social media for about two years now.
Add to this the coming national elections that contributed to my forgetting about the upcoming birthday of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. No gifts from Santa Claus for me this year, I guess. Ho ho ho!
What I find even more weird is the seeming absence of hearing Jose Mari Chan singing Christmas songs on the radio that usually floods the airwaves this Yuletide Season. His songs usually remind me that Christmas is near even if it is just September. The 2020s is becoming a lost decade due to Covid. Hope I’m wrong.
Anyway, it’s great to know that the city government is “surprisingly hitting” its 15-point agenda targets towards achieving good governance despite the continuous onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic and arrival of its more infectious Delta variant in the Summer Capital.
Formulated a few months after Mayor Benjie Magalong took office as the city’s chief executive in 2019, the agenda includes speeding up government action; revitalizing the environment; innovating peace and order; aggressive traffic management; responsive education program; empowering the youth; expanding health and social services; responsible tourism; enlivened culture, arts, crafts and heritage. It also pushes for market modernization; efficient disaster management; empowered and accountable barangay governance; strengthened livelihood and entrepreneurial services; unemployment reduction; and resolution of indigenous people’s land claims.
The mayor cited major projects that are either completed or ongoing in the realization of the agenda like the clean-up of rivers traversing the city; solving the traffic problem; and road widening and recovering roads right of way.
An intermodal transport terminal is also in the pipeline; the planned market development, since he says residents deserve a modern market; digitalization program with the recent launching of the Smart City Command Center and planned setting up of a digitalization center; livelihood programs with the support of local entrepreneurs; and more.
Funding for the various multi-million peso projects come mostly from outside sources through the efforts of the mayor.
“Despite some glitches and obstacles, I am happy to say that we are on the right track in reaching our 15-point agenda targets,” he said.


FYI: To end the Covid-19, we must also end the stigma associated with it. Social stigma in the time of coronavirus is hurting everyone. Blaming and shaming people will not help fight the pandemic. Stigma creates fear and anger toward ordinary people, making it more difficult to control the spread of the virus. It prevents people from seeking health care immediately. The public is urged to always be respectful when dealing with health workers and people with Covid-19 and to always be mindful not to say or do anything that is discriminatory or stigmatizing. City Ordinance 44, s. 2020 prescribes penalties for acts of discrimination committed against persons affected by Covid-19 and health workers.


Here’s “Rock My World” by Joanna Fuchs: “Darling your touch/ Fills me with bliss,/ My whole world is rocked/ Each time we kiss./ With everything/ You say and do,/ I’m so much more/ In love with you.”


Let’s end with a prayer: “Lord, help me not to fear the future but to boldly trust that you are in control when my emotions plunge me down, and when I am in despair. And times when I can’t talk and don’t know what to say, help me to “Be still, and know that you are God”. Be my comforter, my healer and bring me peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” (from the internet)
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep us all safe.