15th of a series
Insights from an inspiring leadership seminar with Romy
The seminar-workshop of COPS (Community On Peace and Security) lasted for a few months and it was greatly appreciated by Barangay Chairperson(s), Tanods, students, and the people at large in the 3rd District. During weekends after lecture, the whole group would convene in a modest videoke bar like ISKARGU in Bay, Laguna to sing their favorite songs while enjoying grilled pork and Tilapia for a change. No one drank intoxicating liquor so you can imagine the kind of discipline the group had in pursuing their advocacy.
The best part of the program was the “graduation day” set for each cluster. The participants came to the assigned venue wearing their Sunday’s best attire all too glad to receive the Certificate of Attendance amidst round of applause from the audience. One Barangay Tanod even bragged that that was the first time he received a written recognition for attending what he called a ‘class’ and that he would have his certificate framed and put on display in the living room of his house. The awarding of the certificates of attendance was a concerted idea of SPO4 Rey Paras, Romy and Fiscal Ante.
The whole program may seem expensive but it was not. It was done by the group purely out of passion, love and dedication to teach the people in the barangays about the importance of : understanding the country’s justice system; how to prevent crimes proliferating during those times; the formation of correct moral values; and the importance of mental health. It was one work worthy of emulation but sad to note, no other group followed. Obviously, nobody wanted to share their time, efforts and knowledge without compensation.
When we were done with the seminars-workshops, Rey Paras and wife Marina treated Romy and I to a week-long vacation in Subic, Zambales. We stayed in a beachfront hotel where we relished the sound of the rushing waves to the shore, the fine sand and the beautiful sunset. We even visited the ‘Bat Kingdom’ and the home of monkeys – a sight to behold! It was my first time to see a throng of monkeys – young and old lined up on the side of the road with a couple of mother monkeys breastfeeding her young like humans. They were waving their hands and making sounds only their kind obviously understood. Much as we wanted to give them food, we were prescribed by the local authorities to feed them.
At the hotel, Romy and I would take down notes we can use in writing short stories and poems for our respective columns in the local community newspaper. Had cellphone with camera been available during that time like today, I would definitely have in my possession a good collection of photographs for reference purposes
(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.
