From My Window by Riz E. Quiaoit, Jr.

CELEBRATING HOW FAR WE’VE COME

 

            HUGE MILESTONE FOR LAGRO: Back in the early 1970s, Lagro was a desolate and forlorn housing village. It was then part of what was once known as Barangay Pasong Putik. Its environs were dumping grounds for victims of bizarre and unknown killings thus gaining the notoriety of a killing field.

            Evoking fear of death, no taxi or jeepney would dare travel or bring anyone to the place especially at night. When darkness loomed, late travelers or passersby cowered in fear lest they fall prey to robbers/thieves or become victims of what evil men do. Few would ever think of coming or living here.

            Lagro, now a barangay in itself, has transformed into a vibrant, peaceful and progressive community. Good roads lead to it.  It abounds with shopping malls and full of delightful amenities. The place is alluring, admired and often visited.

            Indeed, the place is so loved that residents pride themselves in being called "Lagronians" -- a far cry from what the community was then some years back.

            For all its beauty, serenity and beneficence, Lagro also bears the hallmarks of having its regular community newspaper (The GREATER LAGRO GAZETTE), eco-parks and sports facilities for exercise and relaxation.

            The back-to-back highest level awards (2016 and 2017) -- "Seal of Good Housekeeping - GAWAD DANGAL NG LUNGSOD" -- given by the DILG and Quezon City LGU is a testimonial and recognition to Lagro's honor and luster.

            During the past decade or so under the administration of the present leadership, how far have we come?

            You be the judge.

-o-O-o-

            NO STOPPING VILLAGE POLLS: All systems go for the Barangay and SK elections originally set in October 2016, rescheduled in October 2017 and then reset to May 14, 2018. Now there is definitely no more stopping the village polls. Everyone is prepared, including COMELEC and so are the candidates and the voters. Talks, thoughts or moves for postponement are rather "strange", totally irrelevant or speculative and doomed.

-o-O-o-

            THE HEART OF "PAMAYANAN": A sense of community is the heart of "pamayanan". It involves promoting camaraderie among barangay residents. Building a community entails warmth, togetherness and harmonious relationship. Over the past years there have been issues or conflicts between residents and between neighbors. Developing a strong sense of community and learning to become responsible for each other is a source of pride for "Lagronians" as it makes them feel that the people who live in the village are good people.

-o-O-o-

            KEEPING LAGRO FIRE SAFE: Barangay residents are reminded of the start of "Fire Prevention Month". Fire safety is a shared responsibility of government and the citizens. Villagers are reminded and encouraged to be responsible in keeping a fire-safe environment. DILG has urged BFP to "fight fire with fire" highlighting the latter's burning passion and commitment to keep everyone safe from the danger and destruction that fire brings to life and property.

-o-O-o-

            LIVING WITH PURPOSE: A New Year begins in February under the Chinese calendar. The dog as its zodiac sign. Whatever zodiac sign we're born in, the important things is living with purpose. Fascinating as life is, it's nothing unless given to what an American novelist says "Something of value". A career, a sport or hobby, fame, wealth - nothing of these will have lasting significance. Service, as one writer puts it, is the true "pathway to real significance." It is through ministry that we give meaning to our lives and make a difference. If you are not involved in any service or ministry your life has certainly no meaning at all. You're like a ship without a rudder. 'Di ba?

-o-O-o-

            HOUSES DIVIDED: There are perceived signs of chaos and confusion at the White House in the U.S. The same situation is obtaining in our own Supreme Court. A face-off between President Trump and his own party (GOP) over immigration, tariff and foreign policy issues was recently bared by CNN, BBC and other foreign media. Similarly, a Supreme Court turmoil was reported as CJ Sereno was at odds with her fellow justices, judges nationwide and SC employees on questions about her psychological capacity, integrity and managerial competence. CJ Sereno is being asked to resign to save the honor and integrity of the "Judicatura" or face impeachment.

-o-O-o-

            #MYFREEDOMDAY: March 14 was hashtagged as the start of “World Freedom Day”. Across the globe over 100 nations raised their voices against modern-day slavery  and human trafficking. Amidst these voices the question was raised, "What does freedom mean?" Distilled from the multitude of thoughts and views expressed, one thing stood out. Freedom is the inherent attribute or essence of being human. It is the ability to think, say or do anything in a libertarian way. Meaning, in unrestricted and uninhibited manner without hurting or infringing on the rights and interests of others. For, after all, the exercise of freedom in itself entails responsibility. Aber, anong say nyo?

-o-O-o-

            ON THE LIGHTER SIDE: Men's sexuality is like the three (3) types of volcanoes, namely: active, dormant and extinct. In younger days, men's need for sex is super charged. This tends to wane in middle age to the point of becoming somewhat dormant characterized by the so-called "patay - sindi" or "off and on". 

            When one becomes an elderly, sexuality is practically 'dead' like an extinct volcano. However, there have been cases where dormant, inactive or even extinct volcanoes can awaken, revive or reactivate. In the same way, men's sexuality can.

            How? Read the book by Abercio V.Rotor, Ph. D., entitled, Sexual Vitality. (Riz E. Quiaoit, Jr.)