Learning from Cagayan de Oro, Iligan

Now that we Cebuanos know the reason behind the havoc in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities in the aftermath of Typhoon Sendong, it is hoped that we learned our lessons.

It is very clear that there were people in Mindanao who abused the environment. The thousands of logs that rolled downhill and destroyed many establishments during the storm pointed to illegal logging. Much mud slid down the mountains because they are already bald.

There are developments in the upper part of Cebu City that entail earth movements so much so that many are warning of ill effects like mudslides during heavy rain in the future. I think it is incumbent upon the city government to learn from the experience of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities and prepare Cebu City for a similar experience.

Mayor Michael Rama tried to address this problem in his proposed budget that would have set aside funds for a drainage program, master plans and the purchase of a barge. Unfortunately the City Council does not believe in Rama’s program. So it cut the drainage program allocation from P500 million to P150 million and ditched the master plan and barge.

Rama tried to address a valid concern of citizens knowing fully well that when it rains, flooding ensues in low-lying parts of the city.  As a matter of fact, some residents have experienced flooding each time it rains in recent years. Others are saying they hope the houses of the councilors do not have to get flooded for them to understand Rama and the people’s concern.

* * *

Last Sunday was Christmas Day and I think many of our readers had a great day celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ despite the unfortunate experience of our brothers and sisters in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Dumaguete cities.

We in the Rama family had a simple celebration that started with a Holy Mass officiated by Fr. Jerome Cayetano, SVD, who happens to be the chaplain of the University of San Carlos. The priest has officiated the Mass in the Rama Compound for six years already.

Fr. Jerome reminded us to remember our brothers and sisters in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan by praying for and sharing our blessings with them. We were so touched by Fr. Jerome’s message that immediately after the Mass my cousin, lawyer Ernesto Rama, told me to pick up some relief goods that I am expecting the family will send to the victims in a few days.

We are now to prepare for New Year with our resolutions.  To one and all we hope that you indeed had a meaningful Christmas and have a truly prosperous New Year.

* * *

The former police officer and most feared Gen. Jovito Palparan is now a fugitive from justice after a court issued a warrant for his arrest for being responsible for the disappearance of two young activists, Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan.

Palparan was notorious during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and earned the moniker “The Butcher” because he violated human rights with impunity. Now the tables have been turned and he failed to surrender to the National Bureau of Investigation.

I think the case of Palparan is simple. It is just a matter of the general being accountable for what he did to many young activists when he was still in the service. He should be brave enough to face the music.