I’m done writing the saga of Palasig who to me was a great writer and a poet. I want to have it printed as a book for reference purposes in the future. Now I can write about anything like before.
Let’s start with the forthcoming SK Elections. For the longest time, I have yet to see SK officials and members doing something good and exemplary in their barangay. In the past, most of them if not all were often embroiled in petty crimes and in extreme cases, drug use. Some of them have developed the attitude of disturbing the peace in the community like shouting at midnight when drunk, starting trouble in barangay gatherings, making noise with their motorcycles and many other annoying activities.
SK must change for the better and not just run for the heck of it or for prestige or for the small power attached to it. They should erase the notion of many that SK has become the perfect breeding ground for corruption as seen in the past. They should refrain from doing activities that require expenses and asking donations from barrio folks like uniforms for basketball. Instead, they should initiate actions that would help their respective community like clean-up drive of canals and rivers, tree planting, or simply showing the youth that they practice good manners and right conduct (GMRC).
In the past, when SK had not yet been conceived by politicians, the YMCA and YWCA were actively doing good jobs of developing the skills and potentials of the young. They regularly conduct seminars and leadership training without expenses on the part of the youth and their parents. They sponsor summer camps for personality development of the young participants. They invite good speakers and achievers that will inspire them to be good citizens of the community.
During those days, money was not the motivational factor of teaching the youth but the sincere desire of leaders to see the youth grow and become useful citizens of this country. If they can do that in the past, with more reasons they can do it now considering the ease of communication and the availability of modern technology. The sad part is, we need to find true leaders who are willing to sacrifice personal interest for the welfare of others. Looking for such leaders nowadays is like finding Nemo in the depth of the Pacific Ocean.
