As shoppers scamper to buy last-minute ingredients and fruits for the new year celebration, I resonate on the same feeling of being in a rush. 2023 went by so fast and we didn't even notice that the year was already approaching its end. I wouldn't say it was the best year as it had a lot of twists and turns.
We started with the controversial transfer of the Sinulog festivities to the South Road Properties. We all gave our piece on it and how it became a standard for the same event moving forward, even into the future. To note, the city government is already preparing the Sinulog in the same venue. We just hope the experience isn't the same.
Many lives were also lost this year. One notable event was the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. The crime was done inside his home by multiple individuals. The case still lingers until today even if some of the perpetrators were already caught. Its alleged mastermind is still out there.
It was also around that time when we lost a colleague and a friend, Pegeen Sararaña, who was in Negros Oriental to cover the developments. She died in a vehicular accident. She was a sweet and doting soul, one that we will miss. Her situation made us rethink assignments and out-of-town deployments, as if being a journalist isn't risky enough.
Then we were all affected by the African Swine Fever scare that entered our province. The 2019 status of being ASF-free was toppled down as samples tested positive in Carcar City. Quarantine and borders were strict when it came to pork-related products. The barangay elections also finally happened, despite multiple complaints and mishaps. New leaders are now in place.
Landslides, floods, and other natural disasters continued to hound our cities which affected families and businesses. It paved the way for leaders to sit down and discuss how to resolve the problem. If only we can talk to Mother Nature and ask her to tone down her seemingly erratic weather. I guess we are now reaping the fruits of environmental abuse.
Towards the end of the year, we were faced with more bizarre and rare incidents such as the Oro Sugbo heist that was done in less than two minutes. There was even a man in Bohol who bit a snake until it died so he could survive. These stories add color to our community, which makes us a trailblazer among the regions.
As 2024 comes, I don’t want to put in any expectations let alone resolutions that are impossible to do. I want the feeling of uncertainty to continue, so we are able to look ahead with an open heart and mind. However, if wishes are real and they could be granted, I'd like a peaceful year.