P-Noy at Bulong Pulungan

For three consecutive years, President Aquino agreed to be the guest of honor at the Bulong Pulungan Christmas party at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel, venue of the 26-year-old media forum. As in the first two well-attended events, the Chief Executive spoke about his programs at last week’s celebration.

He admitted he could not refuse the invitation of Bulong organizer Deedee Siytangco, who, he said, was not only a friend of the family but also a member of his mother’s (the late President Cory Aquino) Cabinet as assistant press secretary, as well as having become an “institution,” a professional and “sandigan” of the core members of the media forum.

The president thanked the group for conferring on him the “People’s Choice Award.” He said that when he accepted the call to the presidency, he had one single task: to serve the country and direct it towards the right path (ang tuwid na daan).

He said despite victories earned, the country experienced, particularly during recent weeks, great tempestuous experiences. The damage wrought by the most recent typhoon Pablo has been incalculable.

The suffering and homelessness and hunger of  victims of the typhoon reminded him of his sad experience during the martial law years. Instead of gladness, he felt lonely and anxious. “Para po kasing tumalon-talon lang ang mga buwan sa kalendaryo, at isang taon na naman ang nagdaan nang walang kasiguraduhan kung may sisilayan bang liwanag o panibagong bukas sa Pilipinas nung panahon po ng Batas Militar. May mga sandali pong napapatanong ako: Kailan ba kami makakauwi sa sariling bayan nung na-exile po kami sa Boston? Kailan ba tayo gigising sa bangungot na hatid ng Batas Militar? Kailan ba darating ang araw na makakabangon ang mga Pilipino sa pagkalugmok na ito?”

The typhoon victims, he said, may have felt his desolation during the martial law years. When he visited the sites devastated by Pablo, he saw the desperate hopelessness of the victims. He was reminded of the year 1912 — a hundred years ago — when the same destruction took place in the region. No one would have imagined the same destructive force hitting the same areas. The town of Boston in Davao Oriental looked like it was ravaged by war; wherever one looked, one saw fallen trees, mud, and reminders of once homes and buildings. In New Bataan at Compostela Valley, some barangay halls and evacuation centers were practically gone.

The president asked himself, how can they celebrate Christmas? How can they partake of a Noche Buena, if one, two or three members of the family, or even more, would not be found sitting in their chairs at the table?

Instead of wallowing in despair, the president said, the government found resolve to rescue victims from the harrowing tragedy they experienced. Asset and resources have been poured into relief and rescue operations, infrastructure have been attended to. He singled out Public Works Secretary Babes Singson for acting quickly to build makeshift bridges, and roll away giant boulders that had rolled down the communities.

The president then called upon the nation to sympathize and help victims restore livelihoods and dwellings. He thanked Bulong Pulungan for donating to the fund for victims the amounts of P50,000 from the entrance tickets, and P55,000 for raffle ticket proceeds, and the Manila Bulletin for giving P250,000.

Aside from the People’s Choice Award given by the media forum to the President, other awards were conferred on Secretary Singson, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, GSIS general manager Robert Vergara, PAGCOR chair Cristino Naguiat, and travel specialist Bobby Joseph. Acknowledged among the well-heeled guests was Manila Mayor Fred Lim. Not to be missed at any social function was Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, presidential communications operations office — one of the President’s most effective and trusted Cabinet secretaries.

The core members of Bulong Pulungan are Deedee and co-founders Jullie Yap Daza and Donnie Ramirez, and Chay Santiago, Rina David, Joanne Ramirez, Aida Sevilla, Frank Evaristo and this columnist. Important regular attendees are lawyer Charito Planas, SPDA Chair Saeed A. Daof and Mandy Navasero.

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A reader from Pearland, Texas, Gabino T. Puno, sent a letter praising the work of the Christian Officers Reform the Police Movement (CORPM). I am taking the liberty of printing his letter, dated Dec. 25, 2012 (the day my column appeared).

“I was deeply impressed by your article on our young policemen who have formed an ‘army’ for Christ.

“I am currently based in Texas, and until I read your inspiring article, I never knew that such a group exists, because most Filipinos do not know that our policemen can be transformed into Christ’s followers in these times of uncertainty, especially regarding their economic situation brought about by low salaries for public servants.

“The CORPM could serve as a catalyst for more reforms in government. The phrase ‘only in the Philippines’ does not connote something praiseworthy of our country because of the countless reports on corrupt cops and other employees of government. The CORPM could certainly pave the way for the complete change in the image of our national police by their Christ-like example. As the Bible teaches us, “Let your light so shine that others shall see it and praise your Father in heaven.’

“I doff my hat to these brave policemen who, with boldness, spread the word of God in all corners of the Philippines. Their reward will be great in heaven. More people should know about them through your paper.

“I would also like to express my admiration because in all these years of reading your column, I never knew you are a Christian. God bless you, Ma’am, and may your tribe increase.” Very sincerely in Christ, Gabino T. Puno

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