REMEMBERING AN HONORABLE MAN OF GOD: THE LATE REVEREND EFEGENIO HUELMA AZARCON

(Complete text of a memorial service message---December 30, 2018)

By: Norberto Betita 

In the bitter reality of the natural wear and tear of my mortal coil attendant to aging, I stand today fairly bereft of intellectual reflexes as to prompt me to write my message for this special memorial event in the life of the late Reverend Efegenio Huelma-Azarcon. I pray that the words I have to say today may merit and be worth King Solomon’s description when he wrote: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11).

As we memorialize the unfailing virtues of those loved and lost, who served in righteousness and in truth to the end, we rise from the deepest depths of our sorrows to the pinnacle of a joyful assurance of an eternal reward promised to the faithful and of a coming grand and glorious reunion with him in the hereafter.

When I received Effe’s invitation for this service in memoriam of the 19th death anniversary of her father---Reverend Azarcon---which to me is such a great honor and privilege, the first thing that came to my mind were the words of James M. Barrie, “God gave us memories that we may have June roses in the December of our lives.”

Indeed, the December of Pastor Azarcon, as we fondly called him when we were in college, was long since gone, but the June roses of each passing December remain fresh and immaculate as loved ones revisit and review the prints of his memorable journey from the tablet of their hearts. 

The speaker

Perhaps during this yearly commemoration of his death which coincidentally was only a day past the anniversary of the passing of our National Hero, we can best imagine their common feelings as they bade their sad goodbyes to their loved ones and slipped into the other side of the veil. Such poetic farewell was so beautifully written by Dr. Jose Rizal, in his Mi Ultimo Adios: “I go where there are no slaves, hangmen or oppressors;

“Where faith does not kill; where the one who reigns is God.”

I know Reverend Azarcon as an schoolmate at the Northeastern Mindanao Colleges sometime in the early 1970’s. I was then in my second year in college and he must have been on his third year. I was also seven years junior his age. Although our fellowship was not that close because we were taking different courses, yet such occasional engagements in the campus left imprints of wonderful memories that has long since stayed in my mind and heart. He was then taking up Bachelor of Arts and mine was leading to a degree in Commerce. I know him to be a pastor, because he was a classmate of my best friend Jose Fuertes who was also taking Bachelors of Arts.

One of my most memorable encounter with Reverend Azarcon was when we were both chosen as contestants in an oratorical contest for the NEMCO College Day celebration, which used to be one of the grandest celebrations we have in Surigao City at that time. He was representing Bachelor of Arts Department and I was representing the Commerce Department. I only knew he was the contestant when we were already sitting on the stand. His being chosen to be a contestant must have been the reason for our Department’s original contestant to backtrack, probably knowing the oratorical virtue and skill of him.

During the presidency of Jose O. Paloma of NEMCO, the college day is the most celebrated event and during such activities the quadrangle and the second floor foyer were always filled with people--- parents, students, friends, and guests. By the view alone of the audience, you’ve got your knees quaking, especially if you are not used to a large audience. Such condition was most favorable for Pastor Azarcon, because he had been regularly exposed to a large congregation being the preacher of the UCCP Central Church, while I was a neophyte-trying-hard oratorical contestant for the first time in my college life. 

With host, Ms. Effe Ping Barker (3rd from right) and other guests

As Reverend Azarcon started his piece, and his solid and penetrating voice thundered all around the open arena of the NEMCO quadrangle, I knew then that not one of the other contestants have the chance of winning the grand prize. His piece was well written, his delivery was exceptional, his presence of mind and memory was perfectly consistent and his voice bellowed with precision as to invite audience applause and heads up for the judges. He seemed to be like the Apostle Paul delivering his powerful testimony before King Agrippa and the accusing Jews, to which the king replied, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (Acts 26:28). That made me shiver and wished that I would be allowed to use the podium to cover my quivering knees or just hold on the microphone stand at least. I was in such dilemma to the end that when it was my time I forgot part of my piece and immediately skipped to the last paragraph. The same must have been the predicament of other contestants that they also lost their power. Fortunately, I still placed second to Reverend Azarcon.

However, such was not the best memory that was planted in my mind and heart for Reverend Azarcon. I remembered him most during those silent moments and quiet encounters we have at the campus. He must not have known it himself, but I found him to be a very humble man of God. His gentle smile and soft tone, when not in an oratory, reflected kindness and meekness. His manly bearing and countenance invited honor and respect. Even his ever enduring style of a flat-top hair, when most men were sporting “tagalog” cut and I was even wearing a long hair and beard, to me manifested his moral consistency, bearing his integrity with conscious dignity.

He used to ride a semi-racer bicycle to school with his notebooks and a book, which I sensed to be his Holy Bible, fastened on the back carrier, while wearing his dignified ministerial outfit of polo-barong. I saw him on several occasions passed by our makeshift resting benches at the SNNHS cottages along Paradise Street, where I lived with my brother, towing by his side the same bicycle up the hill to the Surigao del Norte National High School, perhaps on his way to or from his ministerial duties for his flocks. I viewed this unpretentious straightforward display of his guileless circumstances to be an example of true discipleship; a classic and most admirable way of magnifying his pastoral election and calling.

His most noble attribute of humility reminds me of the words of Marlin K. Jensen: “...it should come as no surprise that, in the estimation of some, humility ranks quite low on the scale of desirable character traits. Popular books have been written in recent years on integrity, common sense, civility, and a host of other virtues, but apparently there is little market for humility. Obviously, in these coarsening times when we are taught the art of negotiating by intimidation, and assertiveness has become a byword of the business world, those seeking to become humble will be a small and overlooked but critically important minority.” (To Walk Humbly with Thy God, lds.org.) Yet, in his being a part of that critical minority, I placed Reverend Azarcon, with his humility and manliness, in high pedestal.

I am most confident that as a minister and student of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, he was most familiar with the account in Matthew when the Lord’s disciples asked Him the question, “...Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? In response of which, “...Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-4.)

As revealed by my PNB colleague, a member of his congregation, who truly loved his sermons, whose marriage he administered and solemnized, Reverend Azarcon’s childlike humility also radiates the kind of ministerial leadership, which the Lord taught to His disciples as recorded in Matthew. “...Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” (Matthew 20:25-27.)

It is only occasional that we witness childlike humility from one who bears the mantle of authority to preside over a Christian congregation, dressed in dignity and honor in accord with his assignment and calling and then act implicitly as a servant. It is very uncommon for a leader to consciously show his humility. Reverend Azarcon might not even have recognized that he sent an undying message to me, during those times when we were yet schoolmates, for if beforehand or during those quiet moments he knew that he was humble, he might not have probably acted the way he did. For one to recognize himself as being humble, he is not.

His noble character, in unity with the exemplary motherhood of Mrs. Azarcon, must have been a great influence for good in the lives of their children as to motivate them to attain the highest possible education they could. The eldest, Reverend Dr. Azriel, is a Doctor of Theology, and dean of Asia Graduate School of Theology, Philippines; Atty. Casel, is educated in law and a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines; and Ms. Effe, is a Master in Education, with further studies in journalism at the University of California, Los Angeles. Such achievements are grand parental endowments.

The way Effe described his father’s consecrated life in Christian ministry, voiced anew the legendary words of Dr. Jose Rizal: “It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted in the field without becoming part of an edifice.

“You must shatter the vase to spread its perfume, and smite the rock to get the spark.” (El Filibusterismo).

Indeed, the memorable story of Reverend Azarcon’s ministry will endure well forever as being part of that Christian edifice he pioneered in Surigao City---The Presbyterian Church. The pleasant scent of his exemplary life and the illuminating rays of the light demonstrated in his remarkable Christian life and ministry, warranted for him a state of peace and rest, where no tears should be shed and no sorrows remain. His lifetime of service to God and His people qualified and guaranteed for him an exalted sphere in the place, which John, the beloved apostle, described as a condition where, “…God shall wipe away all tears from [his] eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Revelation 21:4, 7)

As I now picture the present reality and the glorious state where Reverend Azarcon is right now, my thoughts are steered anew to the wondrous words of Lord Alfred Tennyson in his poem “In Memoriam”:

“Forgive my grief for one removed,
Thy creature, whom I found so fair.
I trust he lives in thee, and there
I find him worthier to be loved.”
(In Memoriam A.H.H., par. 10.)

In expressions of gratitude to God for him whose wonderful memories of long ago still lingers---even the late Reverend Efegenio Huelma-Azarcon, I quote these words most popular among Christian ministers, and perhaps also a favorite of him, the 23rd Psalm of David:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

Thank you very much.

NEW YEAR’S WISHES: MY PERSONAL PUBLIC PRAYER FOR PRESIDENT DUTERTE

By: Norberto Betita

PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE

More than ever, our country today needs more participants than idle spectators in the affairs of government. We need to be evermore aware of our duties and responsibilities as citizens of this republic and therefore contribute in whatever way and how little we can towards progress and development, setting aside the contentious approach of partisanship.

We are a nation of genuine democracy where majority rule is permitted and recognized by the supreme law---The Philippine Constitution---which also articulate the protection of the rights of each individual citizen.

Among the many functions of majority rule in a democracy is to establish the mechanisms in deciding and choosing representatives of the people into the different branches of Government through the process of election. However, as it is when elections end and the voice of the majority are determined against our favor, we remain adamantly locked and immovable in our personal belief and partisan convictions in opposition to the principle of majority rule and thus critically wrestle with an established government. Consequently, we are divided, and such a reality is the very reason why for the last many years we have remained to be a nation documented and labelled as poor.

We are short of understanding the words of Dr. Jose Rizal, many years ago, when he wrote: “I can concede that the government has no knowledge of the people, but I believe the people know less of the government. There are useless officials, evil, if you like, but there are also good ones, and these are not able to accomplish anything because they encounter an inert mass, the population that takes little part in matters that concern them.” (Noli Me Tangere).

We are a free nation and a free people, but such freedom of navigation to the blissful economic shores are being subjugated by the selfishness of those who are in the minority---the economically rich and the socially and politically powerful---who, until now are hooked at using the weaknesses of the poor for their personal gains and pushed them hard down the deepest depths of poverty and woe.  

Now we have a leader who, from the start of his presidential journey, has always wanted to liberate our people from the mire of poverty by cleansing the government and changing the bureaucracy; dismantling the giants of corruption and drug cartels; fighting terrorism and insurgency; and suppressing the oligarchy. He is hated and criticized by his political rivals; mocked and despised by the skeptics; spurned by the unbelievers and doubters; and even considered an enemy to the church. But he is resolute in fighting his battle with faith and courage; he is honest in his convictions and unperturbed by the magnitude of opposition that is before him; and he has always expressed his willingness to die for the people he is elected to serve. His obstinate zeal to stand by his plans and programs of government for the benefit of the majority and the coming generations, brings to memory the words of Dr. Jose Rizal: “I don't see why I should bow my head when I could hold it high, or place it in the hands of my enemies when I can defeat them.” (Noli Me Tangere).

In his leadership I found the significance and the hope that come from the words of Dr. Jose Rizal when he wrote: “I do not mean to say that our liberty will be secured at the sword’s point…but that we must secure it by making ourselves worthy of it, by exalting the intelligence and the dignity of the individual, by loving justice, right, and greatness, even to the extent of dying for them,—and when a people reaches that height God will provide a weapon, the idols will be shattered, the tyranny will crumble like a house of cards and liberty will shine out like the first dawn. (El Filibusterismo).

The dawn of our common victory through President Duterte will not shine unless we remain united in supporting his presidency and his honest efforts to bring about the changes, we need so long a time. We could not attain liberty from the bondage of poverty if we continue to stand idly by as useless spectators and frustrated political pedestrians. We could not find the gate to a bountiful life until we become willing participants in our government’s cause.

Therefore, in this New Year of 2019, if only to give my diminutive personal support to his noble cause, I offer my personal public prayer for President Duterte.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte taking his oath of office

Heavenly Father,

In grateful acknowledgement of Thine intervention

In inspiring our people to vote for an unlikely President

Of our Republic, we raise our voices high unto Thee

In praises of thankfulness and adoration.

With devotion and reverence for the divine manifestation

Of the mantle of power through the people upon President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,

Notwithstanding his earlier reluctance to run for the Presidency,

We are marvelously grateful unto Thee. 

We thank Thee for President Rodrigo Duterte,

Our beloved president, for working so hard,

Together with his cabinet members, in fulfilling

His promises to bring about changes in our government.

We unitedly express our heartfelt gratitude

For the strength and physical health and vigor

Thou hast blessed him, despite natural deterioration

And corporal limitations attendant to aging.

Most profoundly, we thank Thee, O, Father

For the marvelous unsung accomplishments

His administration has introduced toward progress

And development in our nation in this so short a time.

We thank Thee for his sincere love and concern for the Filipino people,

Not only for the present, but for the coming generations,

And his ever sincere desire to build a nation worthy

To provide a peaceful haven for its populace.

In the hollow accusations and unwanted critical opposition,

Daily thrown against him to put down his name and presidency,

We thank Thee for the continued blessings of boldness, willpower

And courage to withstand, which Thou hast powerfully endowed upon him.

We thank Thee evermore for the divine influence

Thou hast laid into the hearts of the people and the Armed Forces

And the loyal cabinet members of his administration,

As to openly and honestly support him in his program of government.

We are profoundly grateful that until the end of the year 2018

The majority of our people have remained loyal to the president

And are ever confident of his leadership and governance

Towards our country’s becoming an economically progressive nation.   

Dear Heavenly Father, in this day of developing culture of hate

In our Philippine Society, we pray for Thy divine hands

To lift up our beloved President Rodrigo Roa Duterte

Towards attaining his dreams for the Filipino people.

We ask Thee, to bless him with the mantle of power and authority

To continually incapacitate the critical assaults from the opposition,

As regards his method of governance in implementing intended changes

Aimed at bringing our nation toward economic growth and development.

We ask for Thy blessings upon the members of his cabinet

That all may be united in a common perspective to work in harmony,

In carrying and eventually transforming our country

Into a haven of peace and progress and contented life for all.

We ask for Thy most powerful influence and reconciling spirit

To touch the hearts of those who are critical of the President

That they may embrace, once and for all, a culture of healing

For our common good, as a nation and as a people.

Let the bowels of Thy divine love flow into the hearts of every citizen

That all may render support to our beloved President

And that love, unity, harmony and peace may bind us together

In building a strong foundation of a great and glorious commonwealth with charity for all.

May Thou bless and protect the Military and the Police as they support the president

In the battle against Insurgency, terrorism, drug abuse and criminality,

That lives may be preserved and peace be once more established,

And provide healing to our long battered economic landscape.

Grant, O, Father, that the youth of our land may ever be mindful

Of their inherent role in the constant renewal of leadership in our national life,

As envisioned by the president, and infuse upon their vulnerable minds

Personal discipline and brighter optimism for a glorious future.

May the ever yearning desire of President Duterte to cleanse our government

From the lingering cancer of corruption, be accorded Thine rectifying power

That the government may be washed of corrupt stewards and officials

And the treasury be filled with resources in greater abundance after a long dry spell.

Rather than running counter and opposing the government’s honest efforts,

May Thou, O, Father inspire the religious advocates to instead look for the good things,

And join in prayer for the president to accomplish his wondrous programs and plans

To establish a strong government and solid economic foundations for future generations to benefit.  

As Thou didst protect Elisha’s soldiers from the threats of hundreds of thousands

Of the Assyrian Army who wanted Israel destroyed, may Thou likewise send Thy “horses

And chariots of fire round about” our country, and thus help us realize

That, “they that be with us are more than they that be” with the enemies of the state.

We pray that as the dawn of 2019 signals the coming of a brighter day, Thou mayest bless the president with the best of health and physical vigor to sustain him in his most persistent efforts

To make good his increasingly intense longings to open bolted doors of opportunities

Upon which the poor Filipino people may find their way to an abundant life.

Of these things we pray in humble submission to Thy will,

In the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

WHEN PUBLIC SERVICE BECOMES PREEMINENT

By: Norberto Betita

Gratitude is the best compliment!

Sometimes no matter how I tried to be more patient there will emit from my physical system the feeling and drive to be impatient, especially as regards unwanted circumstances, not of my choice, that affect our daily living. Water is life and when faucets are dried despite waterlogged reservoir because of continued rains the beauty of peaceful living also drains. So on December 1, 2017, I posted on Facebook my short grievance, accompanied by my remaining undrained decency and respect for the provider.

Surprisingly in a few minutes I heard a call from Surigao Metropolitan Water District (SMWD) personnel reporting that they have already checked the connection and asked if there was already water in our faucet. As we affirmed, they requested to report the matter to Chairman Manny Kong as they have been monitored of their action.

Just about the time when I finished my post expressing gratitude for the quick response of SMWD personnel, my attention was called by my son and as I went over our door, to my greatest surprise, there was Chairman Manny Kong standing right on our gate with a smile reminiscent of those college days when we were classmates. It was the first time that we personally met since the 1970’s, although we have recently had some short communication through the social media.

He purposely came to follow up the action of his men as regards my Facebook request for SMWD to help restore our water supply as there were unfinished laundries and other chores that required water which were left undone because of the unscheduled water interruption. He was with a SMWD Engineer overseeing the operations. They apprised me of their resolves and assured of continuous water supply. Although I have long since discovered that the problem was not about any other resolves than monitoring, I never attempted to argue to the kind of tipsy engineer as I do not want the Chairman to be embarrassed. For me it was enough that the water has been restored and I felt the real concern of SMWD through its chairman of the Board personally coming into our place just to check and assure us that he is always on call and at hand when public service becomes preeminent. I see no robe of hypocrisy; no sheer display of ostentations, but a crystal clear view of honest expressions of concern for the water users and humility in public service.

His presence is a reminder of his sincerity and integrity in public service. When I apologized for having robbed his precious family time, his prompt and humble response has always been “that is the call I am appointed to do.” Every time I told him that I am reluctant and uncomfortable dealing with him about my water concerns out of respect for his office and position, he would remind me that public service is a public trust therefore position title should be the last consideration. When public service becomes preeminent, call of duty should not slip second in priority.

The festive season is not yet over and rainy days are still on the run. I understand that while water will be overflowing in the reservoirs the accompanying fast accumulation of sediments suspended in the water pipes, due to strong water pressures from the source, result to siltation and eventual clogging and choking of the water flow. Regular flushing of these stored sediments may result to interruptions which is understandable. However, I hope that after this procedural flushing, SMWD personnel in-charge should monitor the affected water lines at the Canlanipa reservoir, as they had been doing before when one personnel was daily stationed right on the reservoir, and to never forget that there is a small pipe that supplies only three households approximately a hundred meters away directly connected to the reservoir. This connection, small as it is, is often overlooked and perhaps ignored, until we raise our grievance, which we never should have wanted to do as it sometimes becomes an irritant both to us users and the SMWD personnel.

It seems absurd that unscheduled water interruptions for these three households very seldom happen in the hot of summer when water is scarce but on rainy days when water is overflowing from the source.

I hope, therefore, that with the Chairman’s candid response and assurance, we will not have to experience as it was last Christmas and New Year 2016 when water came at midnight.

The Lord Jesus Christ whose birthday we will soon celebrate once taught, “For…I was thirsty and ye gave me drink.” When asked, “Lord, when saw we thee… thirsty, and gave thee drink?” He answered, “In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:35,37,40).

I express my deepest appreciation and most sincere gratitude to SMWD and Chairman Manuel Kong for his continued quick action to resolve even our trivial water problems.

THE PENDULUM OF POLITICS IN SURIGAO

By Norberto Betita

In so far as my memory could contain, the Province and City of Surigao had been governed by a few familiar faces and family names which are connected by bloodline whose pendulumic perspective are motivated by yearning desires of freely swinging back and forth into power. It seems that the pendulum of politics in Surigao is generally characterized by multigenerational family substitutions on the seats of power, following the national trends of political dynasties. The contests of power continue to be participated by the same families or groups who had been in comfortable seats of government for several terms, even going back and forth from one political seat to another---from the Province to the City and back.

However, for these families, I do not see their career in politics as a quest to establish political empire. It is just that they are the only ones who had the guts and courage to gamble their resources and face the excoriating and condemning character assassinations bombarded upon them as are common in all political matches. I considered them to be the bravest few as to embark in the dirtiest degrading and humiliating battle of public discourses that harm their good reputations and destroy public confidence; and even risking their lives at times in order to gain power. I refuse even to think that their struggles are motivated by greed for power, otherwise I will miss the opportunity to see the good that they can do and are doing for our community and people.

Perhaps beyond their ostensive desires to serve the public are hidden agenda which eventually annoys the governed, most common of which are issues of corruption. Yet, they also have the daring to stand confident and bold against the melting power of public opinion. They know that those were part of the risk of their political illusions. True or not they are willing to face mounted accusations.

As the political pendulum continues to swing back again and again, the issues of corruption likewise go back and forth, accusations after accusations in unending marathon. The governed hopelessly sits in frustration, while those in power lean comfortably in sovereign seats accumulating resources, legally or maybe at times illegally, in preparation for the next round of political battle.

Time and time again we heard of people in the academe complaining about being governed by the least whose accomplishments are far below expectations. There are those professing statesmen and brilliant political strategists, active civic leaders who find fault of those who are duly elected in positions of leadership. We whine, grumble and criticize, but there is nothing we can do, they have the majority consent of the governed, whether it be through vote buying which seemed to be a common electoral contamination since time immemorial, or by honest individual choice. Such is the price for those who selfishly hide their talents and instead chose to be part of the tired and exhausted political pedestrians.

Through the years we the governed have our common cries for honesty and integrity in government service. We had been hungering and wanting for good and hardworking men and women to be in government seats. We find ourselves demanding, as Arthur P. Stanley had said: “Give us the man of integrity, on whom we know we can thoroughly depend; who will stand firm when others fail; the friend, faithful and true; the adviser, honest and fearless; the adversary, just and chivalrous;” but he said, “such an one is a fragment of the Rock of Ages.” May be they had been there, but we failed to recognize them. So that as the political pendulum continues to swing, our hopes of being governed by men and women of sound moral principle, uprightness, honesty and sincerity only ended up in vain.

Once in a short while the pendulum of politics in Surigao City rested in the middle, when a prominent lawyer, who had never been in the political arena was appointed acting Mayor for a transitory period during the shift of the reins of national leadership from the deposed Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos to Pres. Corazon C. Aquino in 1986. Attorney Enrique Y. Tandan was appointed for being a man of honesty and virtue; who bears his integrity with conscious dignity. He might not have known it himself nor would he have ever admitted, but in my intimate observation I found him to be such a humble person. Despite his prominence as a lawyer, he sported not an expensive car, but a vintage outmoded open type automobile. He is very straightforward and strict in so far as principles of governance are concerned. His booming voice and temperamental nature are at times misunderstood, but he always had a big heart for those whom he was called to serve, especially those most in need of help. He was determined to fulfill the trust placed upon him. He tried to introduce reforms with undeviating constancy, but he was faced with mounting opposition. It was no surprise though because, “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly.” [Albert Einstein (1879-1955)]. After the two-year temporary appointment, he tried to run in the following regular elections, but lost.

So the pendulumic swings resume and the regular participants in Surigao politics are back in power. Since then there had been several shifts of power by the same groups and popular names. In my choosing during the many electoral processes that I have participated, I felt not being a failure for the candidates of my personal choice. I heard so much of the negative issues against those who are sitting in the couch of power, but I rather look at the things that they have done and contributed for the good of the community and people. I found that each of those who served in elective positions of leadership have their own contributions during each of their term of office. They might have been bombarded with negative issues, but it matters not to me, I just trust and observe every good deed that they performed, and be personally grateful. For such I find personal peace. Moral relativism appears to be a collective view among residents in the world of politics. I believe though that there are moral absolutes which can be a more productive basis for good government. But it seems just nowhere to be found.

Although there are many things to consider, one of my personal ways of measuring a government leader’s performance is poverty alleviation. Poverty is a problem that lives on with time. The Greek Philosopher Aristotle, in one of the most profound philosophical declarations said: “Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime.” Indeed, the poor had been the easy recruits to crime, terrorism, insurgency, drug proliferation and the like. For the government to be able to provide opportunities for people to level up and free themselves from pangs of economic deprivation is one best measure of successful governance.

In his inaugural speech about inequality, John F. Kennedy said: “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.” While the channel between the rich and poor remains wide and the chasm unswimmable for the economically deprived, we can in no wise have a peaceful repose.

In 2003, among the fifteen poorest provinces Surigao del Norte was ranked 7th with poverty incidence of 42.3%. In 2006 we were ranked 9th with 41.6%. And in 2009 we went up to 3rd with 47.9%. (Poverty in the Philippines: Poorest Provinces, http://www.focusonpoverty.org/poverty-in-the-philippines-poorest-provinces/).

In 2012 we dropped to the rank of 26th with poverty incidence of 34.6%. Since then and up to the present our province was never in the list of the top 10 or top 20 of the poorest provinces in the country. This goes to show that the efforts of the administrations during these periods as regards poverty alleviation are acceptable and laudable, although there are yet more that needs to be done. These are periods when Governor Sol F. Matugas was in the reins of the Provincial Government and Mayor Nestor Matugas was Chief Executive of Surigao City. Of course they have not been freed from ignominious negative allegations in relation to their governance. However, looking at the good that they have done and the economic progress and development they have introduced during their incumbency, they deserve the people’s gratitude, especially as they now are in their last term of office as governor and mayor, respectively.

Likewise those in the Provincial Board and the City Council deserve our thanks and appreciation. The Leaderships of Vice Governor Egay; the then Vice Mayor Menor and incumbent Vice Mayor Casurra are worthy of praise and sincere gratitude. So are those members of the Provincial Board and the City council, even those who sometimes are labeled as silent participants, but who had the hand to raise in approval for laudable proposed programs and laws and ordinances.

In about a year and a half the pendulum of politics in Surigao will again swing to another election time. Although we observed that each group of the same color are now starting their recruitment, we are never yet sure who will eventually receive the majority consent of the governed to hold the reins of the Provincial and City governments. What we are sure as it was in the past is that we will have the same popular families and common political personalities that will ring the pendulum sound waves as election time arrives.

While many find this pendulumic political exercise already annoying and ironically obnoxious, yet many of the onlookers amongst the political pedestrians remain like, “The man who goes up in a balloon” yet “does not feel as though he was ascending;” but “only sees the earth sinking deeper under him” (Arthur Schopenhauer).

Perhaps it is high time that we again try the pendulum to rest in the middle by encouraging independent intelligent minds to run for political office and request the majority of the electorate to provide outstanding support even just for a shift to see the difference, as they did to President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

We need not have to wait until our chances and the prospects of our children’s future hang in the balance. There is a need for more of those who are best qualified and fortified by moral ascendancy, now sitting idly on the bench, to turn participants and not just frustrated spectators.

CUT IT OUT OR DO WITHOUT

By: Norberto Betita

The escalating cost of electric bills is getting rocket high as to render the retirees as I and my wife are, with limited fixed income from pensions, incapacitated to afford the most needed beneficial comfort that electricity provides. Such has become a heated and controversial issue in the locality. These recent few months, the actual monthly increasing bills seemed to thump my head with a stern reminder that soon we will be having shortage of funds for our most fundamental necessity---food in our bowl. It socked me to the bones that I was determined to cut it out or do without.

To cut it out is meant to return to the primitive use of kerosene or oil lamps and all those deprivations I have in my childhood; after all when Thomas Edison was experimenting on electric light, he was using oil or gas lamps and candles. But of course I do not want to do that. I wanted to enjoy the blessings of the wonders of electricity and the comforts from technology as these resources complement each other in providing ease and contentment.

While we are enjoying the presence of some of the modern relief and relaxation gizmos at home, I soon realized the truth of the saying that “with great power comes and even greater electricity bill.” Now I decidedly thought that there are those that we can do without if we are to have the assurance that our skyrocketing electric bill might be reduced to the most affordable level. And sadly, the one thing that is dispensable and which contributes so much to the elevated cost is the one that sits by our window and provides us with soothing comfort and deep sleep each night---the air conditioner.

This one comforting item is getting us closer to our grandchildren for all would want to sleep with us during the night, especially at these times of summer. No matter how crowded we are in the room, still we can always have a good night sleep. It is even most beneficial for us---the retirees---whose physical appendages are weakened by age making it hard for us to sleep well in the hot summer night. But now we have to regrettably dish out this appliance from use, maybe temporarily until perhaps when our resources will allow.

To some such a decision may have been unthinkable, but reality drives us to one paramount priority. Provident living requires that we set aside some expense emitting dispensable items and retain the things that matter most.

Well, the consequence seems harsh; we could no longer sleep well during the night. Fans are not equitable substitutes. But we are left with no better choice. While I was thus struggling to get a good night rest, I spent my time writing over my thoughts about our retrogressing circumstance as a result of the invention of the electric meter. Perhaps without it our bills should have been all on flat rate. Anyway, I am hoping that our ailing bodies will eventually be able to adjust to the changing atmosphere and circumstances.

As to the high cost electricity---well, it is a problem not only in the Philippines, but throughout the world. It is not only about SURNECO in Surigao City and the Province of Surigao del Norte. It seems to be a universal concern in different cooperative managed Electric Companies. In 2014, 27 mayors of Lanao del Sur appealed for the suspension of top officials of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative for plunder and corruption charges. (see http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/367614/lanao-sur-mayors-appeal-for-suspension-of-nea-administrator-lasureco-head/story/. )

Many other cooperatives have their own problems too.

To the SURNECO management I felt no offense or resentment. If they might have gone beyond the limits of their authority to the detriment of the cooperative consumers, I leave it up to the Provincial Board and the City Council to question. If they might have done us wrong, they will eventually be made to answer the demands of justice. Nonetheless, as of the immediate moment, it has got to be proven still.

Doing without our air conditioner might have been a discomfort, especially during our most needed night rest at this time of our graying. However, I am still grateful that there is afforded for us a brighter light than the oil or gas lamp and there is electricity flowing into our home to run the rest of our most needed labor-saving appliances.

IN THE SWEET SPIRIT OF GRATITUDE

By: Norberto Betita

Water is life. It is the most essential element of existence. It rounds with the circle of life. It runs in unified agreement with the cycle of our get-up-and-go. And according to Leonardo da Vinci, “Water is the driving force of all nature.” So that when our faucet runs dry the essence of life splits and our temperance is tested, especially when hotlines are likewise closed. Yet when one noble leader steps in and acts in haste to resolve the issue without fanfare, our nature reels back and in the sweet spirit of gratitude we are humbled. Then we realized, as it is said, “that life is simple, just add water.”

I am deeply grateful personally to Surigao Metropolitan Water District (SMWD) Chairman MANUEL KONG for making himself available anytime of the day and any days of the year, whether during the busiest of holidays, on call or Facebook message for consumer assistance. Personally he never failed me, and from his own words of personal acceptance of his responsibility as a noble trust placed upon him to diligently serve the consumers, I believe he did the same to all regular water users.

My first experience of his prompt action was in the year 2016 Holiday Seasons. The day before Christmas we had been wanting of water and we could not contact the hotline. Water came past the Christmas Eve. Then again on the day before New Year our faucets run dry for more than 24 hours. Still nobody answered the hotline. I understood it was Holiday and all are very busy with their New Year’s Eve preparations as much as they were during the Christmas Eve. But I believe that hotlines are purposely installed to cater to calls for concerns 24 hours a day. I tried to find the Facebook account of the General Manager purposely to send him a private message about our water concern. But I found none. I was already impatient and so I posted my grievance on Facebook. What made me even irritated is that our house is just about 50 meters to the Canlanipa housing water reservoir and our next door neighbor had water in their faucets. I was enraged because it was not days of water crisis; those were days of overabundance of water in the rainy season. As we were already grumbling for want of water while preparing our feast for the New Year’s Eve, it dawned upon me that my prominent classmate Manny Kong is a member of the SMWD Board of Directors. I immediately checked on Facebook for his account and found that he was the Chairman of the Board.

I was wondering if he ever will still recognize his old college classmate which he no longer meet in many years. I was kind of hesitant to send him my request as I know that he too was very busy for the coming celebrations. Yet driven by our dire need for such a life sustaining element---water, I sent him a friend request and a private message about my concern requesting him for help. It was about midnight on the 30th of December and surprisingly early in the morning of the 31st I received a notice that he had accepted my friend request and a private message that he had already reported the matter to Engr. Espina. I waited until water came 30 minutes before New Year’s Eve.

The history of our water connections dates back when the Canlanipa Housing Reservoir which was constructed purposely to serve the water needs of subdivision occupants was constructed sometime between 1994 and 1995. I was very happy then because our house and lot was very near the reservoir. In fact our connection was second nearest to the reservoir at that time. However, the reservoir was eventually used as a common supplier for all and to my dismay, the first two of us connected into the waterline had always experienced dried faucets because the water from the reservoir were siphoned and drained fast down the pipes in the lower elevation. Hence, Engr. Orestes Añonuevo and Engr. Ensomo decided that three of us should be given a separate connection direct from the reservoir using a one inch plastic pipe. That resolved the problem for many years. Then about three or four years ago, we have this disturbing water problem back.

Since those celebrated nights of the Blessed Season in 2016, we have had a series of the same concern, but we always waited in patience. Every time this happens I find myself looking at the water reservoir in front of our home and felt like those in the old Visayan adage “Nagdungaw sa dakong linaw, namatay sa kauhaw.” When the same problem arises I tried to exhaust all possible means to find resolve before I finally call on Chairman Manny Kong as it would be an incursion to his personal privacy and also out of respect for his honorable office. But when I do, I am always afforded a share of his busy hours and prompt action.

Last Saturday, July 15th we again experienced the same water interruption at 12 noon when we were just having our lunch. My daughter who was then doing laundry was already enraged because nobody would answer the hotline. At about 6PM, as it was my assignment to prepare for dinner, I found our sink still filled with used utensils. I checked with my daughter if she had called SMWD again. She did but nobody answered. It’s when I decided to send a private message to Chairman Manny Kong. In seconds he favorably responded informing me that SMWD personnel will be coming. While I was thus doing my cooking, I heard somebody calling my name. In a few minutes our water supply was restored. I immediately went to my computer to express gratitude to Chairman Manny Kong and found that he already reported that our water supply was already okay. Of course I thanked him so much and expressed apology for the disturbance, but as always his response is, “That is the call I am appointed to do.” In service, his rank and position was the last thing in mind.

This may be just a matter of triviality in so far as public service is concerned, but it is in this kind of trifling and inconsequential acts of service and kindness to ordinary citizens that makes a government employee a true and real public servant---a servant-leader. John C. Maxwell wrote: "It is true that those who would be great must be like the least and the servant of all...If you want to be successful on the highest level, be willing to serve on the lowest" (Relationships 101, p. 89). “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others” (Pericles).

“Gratitude is said to be the memory of the heart” (Joseph F. Smith). I wrote not to please SMWD Chairman Manuel Kong, but to express my deepest appreciation from the bottom of my heart in the sweet spirit of gratitude and in acknowledgement of his simple acts of exemplary service to a lowly citizen as I am. If I am personally to award him for having solved my every-now-and-then concerns for our water supply, I would do as President Kennedy has said, “Anyone who can solve the problems of water will be worthy of two Nobel prizes--- one for peace and one for science.”

It is my hope that he still will find more opportunities to serve in his lifetime, especially as regards his present plans to improve our water system and to other public service where he may be called upon to perform.

A MOTHER CLOTHED WITH STRENGTH AND HONOR

By: Norberto Betita

The dawn of afterlife had finally come and the doors of the hereafter opened to a suffering friend and neighbor---Elizabeth Pasia Quinto, a mother clothed with strength and honor---as she now passed the heavy portals of death. When my daughter announced to us of her passing, the words of the legendary Socrates echo: “Death may be the greatest of all human blessings. The end of life is to be like God, and the soul following God will be like Him.” And the lessons I taught the last two Sundays about the parts of our eternal existence and the glories of life after death, resonate.

Indeed, to our dear family friend Ely, as she is fondly called, and the Quinto family her final departure from this mortal life to her final rest beyond the veil was such a great blessing of relief from pains and sufferings as a cancer patient and the family’s agonizing and distressing view of a dearly beloved. While her demise may have been a sorrowful farewell to a loving mother and wife a few days before the Mother’s Day Celebration, yet her journey to an endless end is remarkably joyful. It is promised, “God shall wipe away all tears from [her] eyes; there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” [She] that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be [her] God and [she] shall be my [daughter]. (Revelation 21:4,7).”

We were neighbors of more or less 23 years at the Canlanipa Homes. We were married the same year---1974. Our eldest children were born the same year---1975. Her six children and our five kids had grown up together; some had to be classmates in school. We have not had a closest association as we both parents are preoccupied with raising and rearing our progenies, who during those times were in the age of vulnerability. However, being very close neighbors we knew and understood each other and our family challenges. Her husband Hernan and I have one common unknown affliction of many years; hence we sometimes shared each other’s way of dealing with our travails. 

With husband Hernan and daughter Mutya

I knew Ely as an exemplary wife and mother. Her sweet smiles each time we met showed no pretense notwithstanding the weight of her immense spousal and maternal responsibilities of raising four boys and two girls and caring for an afflicted husband. Her motherhood of her sometimes unruly children, as are common to many families, reverberate King Solomon’s description of a woman, “Strength and honour are her clothing;” and her positivity over the future of her children deserved the promise, “and she shall rejoice in time to come. (Proverbs 31:25).” She is the kind of a mother who willingly bore the heavy burdens of nurturing her children to their potentials and who bears with them in their weaknesses and frailties. Her happy countenance past the shadows of despair reflects her understanding of motherhood as a role most essential in time and eternity.

In 2006, she was diagnosed as having a breast cancer and a very delicate surgical procedure was performed to remove one of her breast. She survived.

Time flies fast and we found ourselves among the elderly in the neighborhood, retired and physically drained and fragile. Our children are now grownups. Surprisingly, her enduring motherhood eventually yielded unexpected dividends as to fulfill the promised joy and gladness. The prodigals had come to themselves and returned back to where their mother led them to be. Four were already married, the eldest a single father and a daughter remained single. Four are now gainfully employed abroad. Her diligent mothering paid off and her joy must have been to its highest as she envisioned an abundant life for her children’s families. Indeed, “There are few things more powerful than the prayer of a righteous mother. (Boyd K. Packer).” 

Four of her children

However, nine years since her first breast surgery a relapse of her cancer resulted in complications to the bones and lungs. Soon enough in 2015 I learned that Ely had undergone another difficult surgery. While resources may have been available for her to avail of the best medical remedies, yet old age provided little or no physical tolerance. Her daughter Mutya and Hernan revealed that throughout her ordeal she never complained of too much pain except for short of breath. But her husband told me that even in an air-conditioned room she perspired and felt hot. Although I had not been a witness of her physical suffering, but I am of the belief that it was debilitating and painful as I am reminded of my elder sister who also suffered excruciating pain and eventually died of breast cancer. Ely must have held on to her staying power and great fortitude as to defy and hide her agony and pain from her loved ones for them to shy away from possible terrible worries and stressing concern of her.

Once, while I and my wife were across the street of our home, she and her husband on their car passed by and she flashed for us her usual sweet smile as though nothing serious was happening in her life. Such was my last living view of a mother clothed with strength and honor even my friend and neighbor Ely.

Hernan told me that the night when she was brought to the hospital he did not go with the ambulance but followed later. On his way to finding the hospital room, he was kind of lost, but as soon as he opened the door he saw Ely staring at him. That was to him the last look from her most beloved wife; a gaze for a saddest but loving goodbye after 43 years of a happy and enduring marriage. As Hernan held her tight, life yielded up in submission to the call from her Maker forward into a glorious rest in a place prepared for the righteous. It proved to be their last most loving grip.

Of her passing as a longtime friend and neighbor, memory conveyed the wondrous words of the poet Karen Lynn Davidson:

When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

Sunday the 13th of May 2017 will soon come and the whole world will be celebrating mother’s Day. Her children will no longer have the opportunity to greet and embrace her physically on this most celebrated day for mothers. Yet most probably to Ely it was such a glorious time for her to have all six of them in physical lively interaction a few days before she finally leaves this frail existence.

While Hernan, Aris, Hiyas, Mutya, Tyron, RJ and Gringgo and relatives and friends are mourning the bereavement of Ely, many are cheering to welcome her behind the veil. Thomas S. Monson assured: “I am certain that the Lord, who notes the fall of a sparrow, looks with compassion upon those who have been called upon to part, even temporarily, from their precious children [and husbands].”

To the Quinto family I express our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences on this their hours of bereavement!