THE PAST 12 months was a year of solace and isolation for all Filipinos.
Residing in Negros Occidental, this writer saw how residents behaved. In Panay Island with four provinces, Ilonggos have similar experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Many, if not too many, have seen that in Iloilo City, the Ilonggos are united with, and trust, their political leaders in battling the pandemic.
Iloilo City became an envy of other cities.
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“Our hearts were touched. Local bakeshops donated thousands of loaves of bread to the city government for distribution to hungry families whose breadwinners lost their jobs or were prohibited from leaving their houses and work due to the pandemic,” said an engineer.
“Donors didn’t mind losing their earnings. They wanted to share their blessings to others. That was something we never imagined would happen,” a government employee butted in.
According to the engineer, donors trusted the city mayor with their donations, that these would reach the intended beneficiaries.
“Mayor Jerry (Treñas) was surrounded with dedicated and trusted aides,” said the government worker.
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A businessman shared his observations, too.
“The trust of the people on their leaders is crucial. Mayor Jerry is doing his best. He has political will. We help because we know our donations will not go to unscrupulous hoodlums in government. If there is trust in the leadership, help will always come,” the businessman stressed.
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“Ilonggos rightly picked a leader nga indi nerbyoso sa pandemya. Can you imagine if we have a bobo leadership during this pandemic?” quipped the engineer.
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The government employee pointed this out: “It’s good we have a strong and courageous national leader. What if we have the likes of the past administration? Taxpayers’ money would be going to the wrong direction.”
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This column greets Joemari Moriente, Vince Tiu, Joeboy Agriam, Nelson Polido, Kim Martin Jimenez, Richard Oquendo, Art Colmedora, Felipe Lacson, Philip Garcia, Troy Camarista, Dion Guilbert, Boyet Ortaliz, Edgar Gil, Ariston Minez Jr., Panoy Gonzales and Ray Gomez./PN
