(2nd of a series)
While Nelia was pursuing her further studies, Romy accepted odd jobs to finance their daily needs. He sold pan de sal in the morning and assorted housewares in the afternoon. When his first child was born, he went to Isabela in search of a greener pasture but just like in the song ‘My Elusive Dream’ he did not find it there so they moved on again to San Pablo. During the interregnum, he fervently prayed to God to give him a permanent job so he could provide his family a comfortable life.
When Roreen, the fourth child in the family was born, his neighbor Zoilo Borja helped him land a permanent job at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Banos where he worked there for more than twenty years. While working at IRRI, he was elected Barangay Chairman of Barangay III-C and remained undefeated till he voluntarily relinquished his position to somebody else for personal reasons.
His stint as Barangay Chairman was a very colorful one. He needed to be tough and unbending in the face of difficult challenges considering that Brgy. III-C back then, also known as ‘Labak’ was a haven of rogues, recidivists and incorrigible youth who sowed terror in the Barangay. There was an incident when he had to use a bolo to pacify a riot and many could attest to this fact.
Because of his fair treatment to his constituents, he was loved and respected by many. His dedication as a public servant cannot be discounted as evidenced by the many projects he worked on with the assistance of his friends in the local and provincial government. He was able to secure finances for the construction of the Day Care Center and the metal gate of Platon Elementary School; he secured the approval of then Mayor Zacarias A. Ticzon to allow the informal settlers in his area to occupy the land near the riverbank which up to now they are still occupying.
As B/Chairman, he wrote stage plays for DUPILAW (Dulaan ng Pitong Lawa), and Church of Christ stationed in San Pablo and Alaminos, Laguna. One of the stage plays that was admired by the audience leading to a standing ovation was “Dakipin si Aling Sela” portrayed by Ms. Christy Oracion. He had written many plays for Church of Christ every yuletide season. The last play he wrote was “Sinakulong Inukit” but it has not been put to play for lack of finances, actors and actresses.
To be continued
Melinda Bagsic Evangelista
I was born to write and I believe that’s my calling. I love writing because it brings me to the realm exclusively of mine. It is also my opinion that “immortality” can be achieved not by searching for the Holy Grail and drinking from it but by living your life worth-writing or writing something worth-reading. Since I cannot promise you a life worth-writing, I keep myself busy writing something worth-reading. I am thankful to God for giving me the talent and skill to see life in different perspectives not seen by many and the courage to share it to my readers. This first ever Tutubi Digital News Magazine is a perfect avenue to bring you the many facets of life that you can ponder upon in this time of the pandemic. Enjoy reading all the articles.
