Pag-asa being left behind On his laptop computer, Bito-onon is updated with news clippings and pictures of the development unfolding in islands occupied by the Philippines’ more aggressive neighbors. He also takes time to verify this and monitor the satellite images from Google Earth. But the mayor can’t help but envy them. “Consider this: “from scratch, they have transformed their islands to such remarkable places now. It evokes envy in me, but also serves as inspiration to me. If they can do it, why can’t we?” he said. Bito-onon’s lament is understandable, being a strategist himself. He served as the municipal planning officer of Kalayaan before he assumed his first term as Mayor in 2010. Bito-onon admits he wanted to replicate even just a fraction of the developments made by other countries in our islands. Bito-onon recalled how he reacted and shared his seemingly impossible dream for Kalayaan, when he was once summoned by a ranking government official whom he refused to name. “I was asked what is my plan for Kalayaan. I just told him, ‘sir, I’m not particularly intelligent. I’m new in politics and I may never be the best mayor Kalayaan ever had. Even as a student, I wasn’t that outstanding. But even in class you occasionally turn to your brighter classmates to look for the best answer.’ Then I showed him my materials on the remarkable developments of other countries,” he recalled. For the Kalayaan chain, Bito-onon dreams of having a sheltered harbor on the biggest island, Pag-asa. He even photo-shopped a map of the island, to superimpose an image of a sheltered harbor on the spot where he wanted it erected. “I’m certain that our having a sheltered port will boost the livelihood of fishers and boost tourism because that port will provide sanctuary to our vessels,” he explains. As of October 2012, Bito-onon said they had formulated the Terms of References for the project together with the Department of Transportation and Communications. When the development plan is done, he will be off to look for funds. Bito-onon added he has already requested P250 million from DOTC for this project. Aside from a harbor, Bito-onon also prays that the overdue repair of the Rancudo Airstrip will start very soon. According to him, parts of the airstrip have been washed out by sea water, making it impossible for some types of aircraft to land on the island. Notwithstanding the pronouncements-- during the 40thAnniversary of the 570th Composite Tactical Wing of the Philippine Air Force last March--by Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz that he will expedite the repairs of the airstrip early next year, the PAF Wing in Palawan has been mum on the matter. [WATCH RELATED VIDEO OF MAYOR BITO-ONON BELOW] interaksyon/article/63835/araw-ng-kalayaan--an-island-awaits-genuine-freedom----from-want
Posted on: Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:51:47 +0000
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