Let's Join Hands and Help Dear Calubian

April 29, 2009

Dear Friends and Fellow Calubianons:

Decades of international exposures have opened my eyes, mind, and heart to various issues and hindrances of persons and social development. They have given me a lot of experiences in various fields and have provided me a wider view and perspective of the situations, people, and life in general.

Most importantly, my experiences abroad as an international educator has given me a whole new take on Calubian, our dear hometown. In my yearly homing trips to her bosom, I barely saw Calubian moving, always she has remained small, she was weighed down with concerns, always she cowered before traditional barriers to her growth and development.

After prayerful considerations, and encouragement from the local populace, I have decided to accept the challenge to file my candidacy as an independent candidate in a vice mayoralty position. I am heeding Calubian’s call, responding to her wail, answering her cry. For through the years, they have penetrated my mind, and my soul despite the oceans and time that have separated me and Calubian. A true blue Calubianon, born and bred by heart……that is who and what I am and always will be. My family and I now feel that time has come for me to offer myself as a servant in the public arena. With the guidance of the Almighty Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, I am hopeful that I can bring Calubian a place where you are proud to come home, visit your friends and family or just take your time out from a busy world. It is a beautiful, quiet place where one can enjoy the view of rolling hills and swim with colorful fish in an unpolluted deep blue sea. However, Calubian, ranks the top 10 of municipalities with the highest incidence of poverty in the province of Leyte.

I will definitely be a force for change, I will demand proper planning and a common sense approach to local problems. We want a community where fishermen and farmers can yield more than what their family needs. Another important area to work is to provide early childhood education to all villages in the municipality. Education is clearly a significant factor in enhancing the future of the children.

As you can see, I am excited at the possibility of serving the people at this 4^th class municipality. But before I can serve, I must conduct a very aggressive political campaign. The town has been dominated by political dynasty. After the death of the previous municipal mayor, the position was handed down to one of the children. Her term will end in 2010 but the present position will be handed to her incompetent brother. The family running the town is unopposed because they have the source of money which was used in vote buying. The subsequent elections of local officials were determined by the volume of money available in buying votes and not on the merits of the socio-economic platforms which are the essence of public service.

This is one more reason, I strongly feel that I must step forward and offer the voters of Calubian a choice. To be successful in this endeavor, it will take a very strong and dedicated grassroots organization. I believe the voters of Calubian will step forward with my family in a united volunteer effort.

With promotional materials to spend: brochures, campaign t-shirts, hundreds of yard signs, scores of radio ads to place, and organizing electorates from different remote villages to get out the vote, I will need help. I am turning to people who have known me the longest, and who knew me best. I humbly invite you to get involve in my campaign and make a difference.

Your contribution should be made payable to:

Account Name: Adelfa M. Pairez

Account Number: 3406-0656-68

Account Type: FCDU Savings Account

Bank Name: Landbank of the Philippines

(Global Banking Department)

Bank Address: Malate, Manila Philippines

Your gift of US$300.00, US$500, or US$1,000.00 will help me raise the vital “seed money” I need to successfully launch the campaign. Our goal is to raise about US$20,000 by December 2009. I humbly ask for your support in helping me rise to this great challenge. There is an envelope and a reply card enclosed that I hope you will use to return your personal check and help me unstuck beloved Calubian and empower Calubianons to lead her toward real, pro-resources, pro-people development and progress.

Thank you in advance for your encouragement, generous support, and prayers. My family and I are both grateful for your friendship. We wish you blessings in the years to come. To read more about the campaign, please refer to http://myhometowncalubian.blogspot Also please feel free to call me 813-6364-0080 or email me azeriap@yahoo.com . Until March 2010, I will be on my post as an international school teacher based in Tokyo, Japan. However, my family and campaign volunteers are actively on their political campaign trail. By March 2010, I will be home to Calubian, Leyte on a full blast campaign.

With best regards.

Adelfa Mabines-Pairez

A Cry for Help by Adelfa Mabines-Pairez

BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR HOMETOWN CALUBIAN
(Culled from an article written by Dong Medalla, son of Calubian)

In 1919, the township status was awarded to Calubian, once a barrio of the town of Leyte, Leyte. The town’s name Calubian replaces its original name ‘Eulalia’ maybe to give more value or connotation of the coconut tree which is abundant in the place. The zealous interest coupled with noble intention of the local officials, at that time, the town became progressive overtaking the economic growth of its mother town, surrounding towns and the adjacent island of Biliran.

The economic growth was enormous that the town became the center of trade and education in the third district of the Province of Leyte. The fruits of the sacrifices and endeavors planted by the great grand fathers of the real Calubianons got the attention of the national government and the private maritime business. The best health and medical facility of the third district was built, The North Western Leyte General Hospital. The trading of product from Cebu and Manila was handled by big shipping industries at that time using our port facilities. The town of Calubian radiates and became visible in the map of the Philippines due to its achievements in economic and political activities.

Two decades ago, politics was particicipated by an alien blood, who migrated into the town, established a business and enriched more at the expense of the town folk hard-end money by betting to the illegal gambling (masiao) operation. The fund accumulated thru illegal source was used in vote buying. The so called saying in our local parlance as “Giluto ta sa atong kaugalingong mantika” did really happen in our town.

That election marks the beginning of the rampant election vote buying and election fraud. The subsequent, elections of local officials was determined by the volume of money available in buying votes and not on the merits of flat form of government, the true essence of public service. I just remember one of the jokes that I heard, “kaniadto kono ang mga tawo ug kakita ug politiko or public servant magkurog nga makalamano sa iyang mayor, unya karon mao guihapon, magkurog pero tungod sa kalagot ug kahadlok labi na kontra ug partido”.

The cravings of the present officials to hold on to power compel them to continue their practice manipulating the Internal Revenue Allotment of the town to their own vested interests. The fund is being managed to benefit the few favored political allies and on the other hand deprived basic and important services to the great magnitude of the population.

SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS

Initiate linkage to financing group or solicit grants from other countries in order to finance the following concept of livelihood and other related human needs of the community. The success of this plan will allow people to stand on their own in attending to the needs of the family and ultimately, will emancipate them from the long and damaging bondage of political influence. A genuine public service begins when corrupt regime of politics ends. All this lies in the wings of an independent populace who is ready to sacrifice for the good of humanity.

SUSTAINABLE REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR CALUBIAN

Given the situation, the problem of the community is very basic and simple considering that the important factors in creating a progressive community is present. First we have the natural resources, the vast fertile land for farming and the marine life fronting the coastal area is there.

The two other important factors are the farmers and fishermen who will do the rest in exploiting the bounty of the gift of nature. The third and most important at this juncture is the participation of a non- government organization or associations to guide them initiate an effective system of livelihood. The often cause of failure of an undertaking is the lack of technical knowledge and training.

The mere extension of financial support is not a guarantee that the project will work, the aforementioned factors should go together to play its respective roles in the this undertaking.

These undertaking will not end in stalemate, once the first step of development is perfected the next step is to develop the farmers and fishermen market. The ultimate success of business undertaking is anchored in how you can effectively market your product. The small entrepreneurs are to be developed also to re-start the flow of commerce within the community.

The whole system of production and marketing will be properly implemented through the formations of several associations or cooperatives managed by a supervising organization. The supervising body will be composed of well trained technical persons and experienced managers who will in turn take charge in the training of members, screening applications for extension of loans and over-all supervision of the members in the conduct of their respective livelihood project.

LIVELIHOOD AND SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRENEURS

The estimated initial capital investment needed is Fifteen Million Pesos (P15. M) Philippine currency. Extension of loans to would be borrowers will only be effected after undergoing an information dissemination and training seminars which will be conducted by the supervising organization. The supervising organization will be composed of a manager, agriculturist and other technical staff, accounting and purchasing staff. The financing and collection functions will be handled by an existing financing organization, Fatima Financing Cooperative, a duly registered quasi-banking which has a good track record in line of financing activities.

Considering success in the initial releases of livelihood projects, the flow of money in circulation will increase as the economic activity progresses. The boomed economy will then re-generate the active flow of trade and industry in the town, thereby reviving the maritime industry in our port.

Other humanitarian projects that our group wanted to initiate are as follows:

EDUCATION- The town has only one school for secondary education located in the town proper. The students on the northern barrios, especially those from the remote mountain barangays opted to stop from their study due to the cost of transportation, board and lodging, etc. With the introduction of livelihood projects in the mountain and coastal barangays the parents can now afford to send their children back to school. At this juncture, bringing the school closer to the students will help parents minimize expenses and give them the opportunity to guide their children personally. An initial of 32 classrooms building in a two hectares lot is being considered to cater 1,300 students. The estimated initial cost of the land, building and school supplies and equipment is P 12 million pesos in Philippine currency.

HEALTHCARE- Integrating medical services with technology is the target of our organization. With the internet system medical practitioners services and communications can be availed through website. The website will give information on the different kind of services available including immediate medical attention in other places. The Biliran Healthcare Service Cooperative, a duly recognized organization with the Cooperative Development Authority under CDA registration No. TAC-3112 since August 18, 2005 established in Naval, Biliran, Philippines has a track record to handle the healthcare requirement of the locality. The cooperative started with 16 incorporators mostly, medical practitioners. At present the cooperative has established a clinical diagnostic center for out-patient service. The building of a medical center equipped with the modern diagnostic facilities and hospital equipment is the long-range plan of the cooperative to cater the ever growing population of Biliran Province and the neighboring town of Calubian.

HOUSING PROJECT- Low cost housing facilities is also one of the concern of our organization to give our less fortunate constituents a chance to live a safe and decentplace and enjoy a simple community life. Considering the concept of community based housing project, the location should be proximate to location of livelihood projects and to source of a potable water supply. The project will be initiated by developing 80 units of low cost housing.

GLIMPSE OF THOUGHTS

From a distance a solitary observer dwindles on the many concerns to the town and to its inhabitants. How we can we bring back the glory that our beloved town used to have during its hay days. Shall we continue to be an observer to the naked truth of what is happening before our very eyes.

To just keep quite of their wrong doings and forget the endeavors and sacrifices that our forefathers invested to make our town a better place to live and to be proud of. The dreams of our parents to give their children and the next generations a decent and better future lies in our very wings.

The decision is for us to chose, to fly and put that dreams into reality or just lie down and waits for the worst thing to happen and realize one day that what you have done was not right and its to late. Yes this concerns does not occur to the present administration’s political allies, they seemed to enjoy their false blessings at the expense of public interest.

I can’t imagine how this kind of people tend to enjoy the travel, the food they take, the other extra curricular activities to the satisfaction of the flesh, when at the corner of their minds, while enjoying the worldly thing, dwells the truth of deceptions. Yes deception is like magic, the art mastered by dishonest local officials in manipulating government funds.

The question is how long shall we allow these things to happen, shall we continue to be mute and blinded by the favors and money they offered during elections? Shall we continue to be numb and subscribed to the reality that there is no existing solution to correct the present system. I understand that peoples deteriorating standard of living is not god’s will, but a handicraft of unscrupulous officials and system whose only concern is how to perpetuate power in the government. This system will continue to destruct the very basic principle of freedom and democracy.

Their system of manipulation does not limit in robbing the funds of the municipality but worse is the manipulation of the life of their so called allies in the barangays by maintaining their standard of living below the poverty line. Making their constituents helpless will continue its dependence, so they can dictate them or impose to them what they wanted. The worst among the worse is the attitude of some intelligent citizen who allow their rights curtailed in exchange of favor and money.

Fellow Calubianons from here and afar, Calubian is wailing of helplessness. Her cry for help echoes from the hills and plains and back to the sea. Let us lift her by choosing a committed, dedicated and a best leader to work with the people. Let us wake up with courage to build on what we have and what we can do. Enough of the present traditional politician in Calubian whose only concern is to add more funds into their own pocket. Let us work on empowering rural Calubianon towards eradicating poverty.

Memories of a Native Daughter

Fifty five years ago, I was born and raised in a small northwestern town in the province of Leyte called, Calubian. During my childhood until my teenage years, Calubian was the center of trade and industry from neighboring towns, Naval and Biliran.

It was only Calubian that had wharf so shipping lines from Cebu and Manila can dock, pick up passengers and carry live animals, hogs, chicken, cattle and other agricultural products to be transported to either Cebu or Manila. The main livelihood of the populace are fishing and farming. Back then, fishing was good. Everyone can fish when the tide is low, children enjoy picking shells and harvest sea foods that’s trapped in the fish pens.

Calubian Central School provides elementary education to children and after completing grade school years, we go to high school. During that time, elementary and high school education were free. Rentals of textbooks were minimal and was affordable by parents. I left Calubian to pursue my college degree, I go back from time to time when my calling requires. I find it still the small, hazy town that it was back in those childhood days. Drinking water in every household was a problem and until now people line up their containers 24 hours a day to take turns fetching water from a single pipe line that runs from a mountain spring. There are new houses, populace has increased, some cemented streets there, a new plaza, a diminishing Burabod hill, a new municipio built on a hill, a retreat house, a sturdy catholic church, and an Agro-TESDA vocational school. Big businesses like telephone communications facility, fish cages, and arrastre services are controlled by private individuals. Feasible small businesses from ordinary town dwellers are usually not supported by municipal authorities.

General hospital is still the same since I left Calubian some 40 years ago. New medical facilities are not available. Those who are seriously ill, they go to the capital city of Tacloban to get treatment. The folksy small town manners that I experience from childhood to my early adulthood are still seen in some native Calubianons, the same easy living. And the “ginat-an”, I shall tell Nanay Maning when we meet, that “Ginat-an ha Calubian” is the best in Leyte!

by Adelfa Mabines

Calubian Calling

Like a siren stranded at low tide in the Biliran Sea, Calubian calls. Her wail of helplessness echoes from the hills and plains of the land and back to the sea. Her cry for help permeates the consciousness night and day. Yet, she is barely heeded even as the mud of neglect has started to swallow her body and freeze over her heart and soul.

Calubian is small, tucked in the northernmost part of LeyteProvince. She is bounded by the Biliran Sea in the east and the Camotes Sea in the west. She is, thus, blessed with the beauty of the two seas. Her fertile land of rolling hills and plains gifts her with a multitudes of sustenance for her children. She is anointed with oil from the Tree of Life (coconut) that covers most of her land and for which bounty she has been named after, “Calubian” – a place where “lubi”, visayan word for the Tree of Life, abounds. Yet, Calubian remains stunted like a runt. Small, tucked in a corner of Leyte Province, away from the core of things, she has been largely ignored and untended, becoming stuck in the quagmire of neglect and underdevelopment for many years.

Calubian is beautiful all over her almost 14,000 hectares of land. But it is not an easy ride to get to most of them, with only 6 kilometers of cemented road all found in her central part. Despite the bounty of her land and sea, most of her children live insufficiently, stuck in inadequate knowledge and know how in making their person and lives productive and better. Most of her households are literally in the dark at night, guided only by lamp and candle light. Many are also made vulnerable to sickness and diseases by their sources of water – open, shallow, and deep wells. As it is asleep at night, Calubian remains sleepy by day. Lethargic and anemic, she has remained in the lower rung of the development ladder together with other 4th class municipalities in the country.

Then and now many Calubianons have left her wanting condition, running away from untenable situations and seeking to better themselves and their life elsewhere. I was one of them three decades ago. I thirsted for knowledge . . . for new things . . . new people . . . new places. . . and a different life. I sought for them in other parts of the Philippines and eventually, in other parts of the world. Through belief in myself, perseverance, patience, determination and a balancing act between work and studies, my thirst for knowledge and skills was quenched through academic scholarships in foreign institutions of learning, acquiring some mastery in the field of childhood development and education. Decades of international exposure has opened my eyes, mind and heart to the many and various issues and hindrances to person and social development.

They have given me a lot of experiences in various fields and have provided me with a wider view and perspective of situations, people and life in general. Most importantly, it has given me a whole new take on Calubian during my almost yearly homing trips to her bosom. Always, I barely saw her moving. Always, she has remained small. Always, she was weighed down with concerns. Always, she cowered before traditional barriers to her growth and development. I have decided. After so much thought and prodding by local Calubianons in the past couple of years, I am now decided.

I am heeding Calubian’s call . . . . . responding to her wail . . . . answering her cry. For through the years, they have penetrated my mind, my heart, and my soul despite the oceans and time that have separated me and Calubian. A true blue Calubianon, born and bred by heart. . . that is who and what I am and always will be. This very fact gives me heart to dare, challenge and break down the traditional barriers that perpetuate Calubian’s sorry state. I have decided, I am taking part in the changing of the guard in 2010.

But let me be honest and clear. I am not a super person. Like Calubian, I need help. I need assistance to respond effectively to Calubian’s call. It is now my turn to call on others especially my fellow Calubianons – at near or far away from home – to help me prepare and meet what are needed. I need help in crafting a coherently responsive program of governance – what with so many issues to address and an equally multitude of ideas running in me and other colleague’s head. I need help to set up a system and a center of action that will enable us to move efficiently and effectively. I need help in getting other people to help. And certainly not the least, I need help in the area of logistics – supplies, volunteers, other materials, and most of all, monetary supplementation – that will prepare and strengthen me to meet the many challenges of traditional brickbats and resistance to meaningful change. Calubian is calling. The time is now to respond and extract her from the mire of indifference and neglect. I invite you to come dare with me and the others who equally believe in the breaking down of traditional barriers. Help us unstuck beloved Calubian and empower Calubianons to lead her toward real, pro-resources, pro-people development and progress.

If you want to close ranks with me and others who believe and dare, please do contact us. This is our website for change in Calubian . . . yours and mine . . . . Calubianons and non-Calubianons alike. Welcome and Mabuhay!