ANTIQUE – The basic needs of overlooked sectors such as farmers and fishermen here must be addressed, according to Atty. Abdiel Dan Elijah “Ade” Santillan Fajardo, the Antiqueño past national president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).
Through community immersions and consultations with residents and leaders in Antique, Fajardo learned of their plight first hand.
While Antique’s leaders have rightly focused on infrastructures especially roads, the farming and fishing sectors were not given that much attention, according to Fajardo during a guest appearance on Sunday at “Debate at the Magde Cafe,” a program that can be viewed via Facebook and hosted by veteran journalists Tonette Toledo and Peter Jimenea.
“Halimbawa ang aton mga mangungoma, tama ka barato gali bakal ka paray. Ti pierde gid sanda. Daw wala ti support bala nga nakita,” pointed out Fajardo, a native of San Jose de Buenavista, Antique.
He also cited the concerns of local fishermen.
“Ang aton mangingisda, kay coastal ang Antique, source gid ran. Ka raku nga isda, ti paano ta sanda kadya mabuligan,” Fajardo said.
“Siguro mga gagmay nga issue para sa iban pero basic bala nga kinahanglan ta gid nga turukon,” he stressed.
In his visits to communities, Fajardo also observed the poor internet connection, especially in mountainous areas.
Is he considering seeking public office such as that of Antique congressman so these concerns could be addressed, Toledo and Jimenea asked Fajardo.
The Antiqueño lawyer said he was “still thinking things through”, pointing out that he is aware of the consequences public life may bring.
“Sa tuod-tuod lang, ang offside karan, madura ang imo privacy. Raku gid nga sakripisyo. Kay pamilya mo indi matatapan the same attention nga matugro mo kon ikaw ang sa private life,” said Fajardo, son of Maria Santillan of San Jose, Antique and the late Daniel Fajardo who both founded Panay News 40 years ago and remains the No. 1 regional newspaper.
But should Antiqueños elect him as their representative to Congress, Fajardo said he would find ways to bring projects to his home province using congressional funds.
Congress has the power of appropriation. All government budgets have to pass its scrutiny.
“Dyan kita ma-focus, kon ano ang puede mapundohan digya sa probinsya nga mahalin sa budget sang gobyerno,” said Fajardo.
He stressed the importance of public consultations to bring those programs and projects that effectively address the concerns of Antiqueños.
Fajardo was born and raised in San Jose. And though he practices law in Metro Manila, he constantly returns to Antique. Family, relatives, friends and classmates always kept him posted.
“Home is where the heart is,” said Fajardo who had also served as president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Antique chapter.
As the May 2022 elections draw near, he advised fellow Antiqueños to be wise in exercising their right of suffrage./PN
