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Never again to these kind of leaders

Progressive Igorots for Social Action (PIGSA)

February 18, 2006

We, the Progressive Igorots for Social Action (PIGSA) Metro-Baguio together with other concerned youth and students here in Baguio & Benguet criticize the political leaders here in the city of Baguio for their unending political bickering. The Panagbenga issue alone shows conflict of political interest among them. Supposedly, this should not be a big issue but because of their conflict of interest on who will be the proper group to host the Panagbenga 2006 many of the residents of Baguio are confused and affected. We the youth, observed that our political leaders are politically immature because of their unrelenting disagreements even with very simple matters. Every one of them always wanted to be on top.

The Panagbenga traditionally means a feast for the people of Baguio being celebrated annually. However, in its real essence, this occasion does not serve the interest of the majority of the people of Baguio rather it is a special episode for the elites of Baguio to elevate their political career as manifested on what is currently happening.

Actually, there is no good reason for us to celebrate the feast because of the pressing economic crisis here in the city. Why should the Local Government Unit (LGU) spend millions just for the Panagbenga celebration when in fact many of the residents of Baguio, particularly those of the urban poor communities, lack the basic social services that the LGU fails to provide?

The people of Baguio might be in a better festive mood if the elite and political figures of the city’s LGU have the right mind and conscience to convert the fund for more fundamental projects & for the basic social services needed by the common people of Baguio. How can the ordinary residents of Baguio feel the merriment when they are hungry and cannot even experience a decent living?

In the same way, the youths are already irritated on the undying recall issue between Mayor Yaranon and the Vergara Camp. We would like to remind our “grown up” leaders that the May 2004 election has ended two years ago. Therefore, isn’t it also about time for them to end the race for the coveted position? As far as the people of Baguio are concerned, Mr. Yaranon was legitimately elected by the people as the mayor of the city, thus, his co-leaders should give him a chance to perform his duties until his term ends.

It is true that any person in position may be overthrown in the event that they are no longer serving the interests of the majority of their constituents. This was proven as was our experience in the ouster of Mr. Estrada, however, in this historical event, it was The People who toppled the corrupt president and not certain individuals who are also drooling for the position vacated. In the case of Mayor Yaranon and the Vergara camp, let the people of Baguio assess his performance and decide on the faith of Mayor Yaranon. The politicians, whether in position or not, must recognize the fact that every race has to end.

As a result of this heightening political rivalry of the few elites, the welfare of the majority of the people of Baguio, especially the youth, are being sacrificed and neglected. The position of our political leaders regarding the overdue demands of the students for them to take a stand for the students and youths welfare in matters of quality education remains uncertain. To top it all, the city is no longer safe. There are many unresolved cases of killings and the number of antisocial activities is increasing and most of the victims are the youth. Despite these unsettling events, there are no serious actions or moves from our leaders and law enforcers to address and enforce preventive measures for such.

It is in this light, that we challenge our city officials, individual leaders and our law enforcers to take immediate action in reconciling their conflicts. We demand for them to act as adults and leaders whom the youths may respect and turn to in times of trouble just like a parent to a child. Instead of attacking each other with their petty issues, they should focus their attention to a more fundamental issue - the welfare of the people of Baguio. How can we expect the youths to act decently when the supposed-to-be leaders of the city are not setting a good example for the youths to emulate? #

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