The crucible of Metro Manila

Yesterday, I learned that while the floods had ebbed in some parts of the city, the waters in Marikina and neighboring areas continued to swell, presenting a serious threat to Metro Manila.

And the waters continued to rise in nearby provinces such as Pangasinan, Pampanga, Bataan, and Bulacan.

Vast hectares of lands were inundated with the rice crops submerged and virtually unharvestable. So are hundreds of fish traps which have dotted the rivers of the provinces.

The lessons had been learned. The warnings remained unheeded. And nothing has virtually been done to ease the problems. Thus, in most instances, we are witnessing a repeat of what had happened in the past.

A case in point are the tons of garbage that MMDA had to haul off Roxas Boulevard. The sea surge threw them back from the sea where they had been dumped by the thousands of Metro Manila’s residents.

And, so the cry has been sounded again – Don’t throw your garbage into canals and sewerages.

Meanwhile, Bacolodnons and Negrenses have gone out of their way to donate cash and checks to the Kapamilya of ABS-CBN in the face of pleas to help the refuges in Metro Manila and the neighboring provinces.

Unfortunately, the harsh realities are that if nothing is done about the problems encountered, the same phenomena will be replicated every time there is heavy rain. The dams of Luzon are posing a threat to the lowland areas, especially those of Pampanga, Bulacan and other areas, including Cavite and Laguna and Batangas.

Perhaps, what should be done is for us, who still have the time to prepare for the contingently to do what we are supposed to do. And that requires political will from local government officials as well as national government agencies. And, of course, the arbiter, we, ourselves, should become more conscious that we shall inherit the impact of adverse conditions which we allow to develop by our intransigence.

***

For my readers and friends, I just want to inform them that Jun-Jun (Rolando) Junior arrived the other day from the Triathlon in Cebu.

The problem, Jun Jun just waded into the game without having rested from the trip from Ireland. From the Naia, he went straight to Cebu with his wife, Mercy.

Naturally, still groggy from the travels, he could not have done a credible jot of it. But he did manage to finish the swimming and the bikeathon as well as the marathon.

His latest feat was in Northern Ireland where he finished the 100 kilometer marathon in 11.5 hours.

***

When Jun Jun arrived in Bacolod, that was also the time that President Noring Tonogbanua of the Capitol Lions Club told me that Iloilo had also gone under water, especially the Mandurriao district.

Chairman Abierra of the Council of Lions Club presidents also notified both Noring and vice president Pons Manayon about the travail of Iloilo City.

That’s why it was correct what Governor Alfredo Maranon, Jr. had pointed out. We should thank God for sparing us the agonies of Metro residents and of Iloilo populations.

As a news media member, I can only be glad that agents of the Criminal Investigations and Detection Group arrested Wednesday Noel Guimeroy, co-accused of Joel Calungsod in the killing of Iloilo radio blocktimer Lito Jimena in E.B. Magalona on August 9, last year.

CIDG chief Cordero reportedly said Judge Francis Banzon recommended no bail for the temporary liberty of Guimeroy and Calungsod. The antter is still the subject of a CIDG manhunt.

As usual, Guimeroy disclaimed participation in the killing of Jemena.

***

Kabankalan City Mayor Isidro Zayco, more or less, disclosed that the UNA may have become divided with the election of Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez as UNA gubernatorial vice Governor Alfredo Maranon, Jr.

The latter, however, is reportedly joining the Liberal party after he was desposed as chairman of the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

Although Zayco was reportedly offered the post of chairman of the NPC, that still has to be validated by the document naming him as such, said Zayco. In short, like Alvarez, Zayco said the die will be cast by the first week of October when the filing of certificates of candidacy will be availed of by the local candidates.

In short, it’s all over except for the confirmation of all the leaks and reports, of a split in the coalition.

Both sides, however, insist that it will be a friendly contest.*

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