Seeking the high grounds

An aspect of military tactics observed in combat by infantrymen, is to seek the high grounds. This is true in actual fire-fight and in choosing bivouac or temporary encampment, as higher grounds provide vantage point all-around and less vulnerable to sneak attacks.

Even in the choice of residential homes, the high grounds, like a hill, a hillock or rise of the mountain, are often preferred. There are complementary considerations, say, accessibility to the road, the security factor, availability of water, power, communications, transportation, etc., presence or absence of neighbors, and the fresh and healthful air to breathe free from pollution.

In the frequency of earthquakes due to recurring tectonic plate disruptions in the earth's bowels, and worsening climate change or global warming, the high grounds are juicy spots.

With the growing imminence of "tsunami" - the latest curse was on December 26, 2004 disaster that exacted thousands in Thailand, Aceh in Indonesia, and other Asian countries facing the Indian Ocean - the more urgent is the elevated terrain as safer retreat. Lately, the 8.8 tremor that hit Chile put in panic the eastern seaboard along the Pacific Ocean from Saranggani to Batanes.

Moreover, the fast melting of ice shelves in Antarctica in the southern hemisphere and in the opposite polar region, is also a continuing threat of melted ice raising sea level. If the sea level should rise, say, three meters and higher anytime this century, perhaps all coastal cities and towns may become inundated with sea water. Thus, to play safe, people have to seek the higher grounds.

Besides, urban and suburban centers nowadays, Cebu City for one, are over-populated with squatters spawning the slums beyond habitable conditions. If only to decongest these urban centers from slum squatters, their relocation has to be encouraged.

It's thus shocking that in the wake of the "El Niño" phenomenon - a phase of global warming - Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña has put his foot down to further supply free water to seven Cebu City mountain barrios. He blames the mountain residents for choosing to live there; and admonishes them to look for their water to counter the scourge of El Niño. Until sometime in June or July when the rains begin to fall?

Perhaps, the good Mayor's decision could just be due to some peevish pique or whatever spur-of-the-moment annoyance, or passing modal petulance. Could it be election-related, or some reaction to certain sectors not being grateful enough for hizzoner's kindness in giving them free water? Or, are the seven mountain barrios which have sizeable IRA shares not doing anything, sans any initiative and resourcefulness, and just fully depending on Tommy's largesse?

Certainly, many of these "high risers" are opulent who can afford to transport water from the lowland with their private vehicles. Or some of them have their own private deep wells kindhearted enough to share their water with lowly barrio-mates. What about those mountain residents who are wallowing in utter penury, or even those below average or just average in means to quench their thirst, shall they be left to choke in their dry throats?

As pointed out by a radio commentator, Cebu City has proved its liberality and civic-mindedness in doling out P4,000 to its senior citizens and, offering to Cordova the same and other privileges, can not Cebu City sustain the water needs of the poor mountain folk during the El Niño?

And here's a food for thought… "Dili tingali tig-a ang kasing-kasing ni Mayor Tommy sa mga gi-uhaw ug malumoy ra siya sa ilang kalisud…" One believes that his pique will inevitably come to pass. Besides, what if Cebu Province takes this opportunity to come in as a good Samaritan, would this likely eventuality not put Cebu City in an embarrassing bind?

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