They Sing Lupang Hinirang

There are times, on Mondays, that on my way to work, when vehicle color coding scheme does not allow transportation, I will be held off by the kagawad ng barangays in the middle of the street. All the pilgrims to work, school, or anywhere was compellingly prevented to continue the trek. Why so? Because the Lupang Hinirang is being sung and also, the Panatang Makabayan (the new one) is being recited in front of the barangay hall. The trek continues after the ceremony.

Anyone can be impressed because the practice is not being done in other barangays. But I cannot feel pride. I am even a loather of the practice. Who would feel good when you see the barangay officials singing the patriotic song and reciting the national pledge? It is all a show with their hands on the left chest while singing, and with it also raised to pledge.

They sing and recite and I cannot appreciate it. The act is void of the meaning of true and honest service. If you go and visit our barangay, the barangay building is converted into something like a big apartelle. It boggles me to think for what is the renovation? Is it to bring good service to the constituents? Will the construction of a bigger barangay hall with its many rooms contribute to the barangay residents' welfare? Are there significant projects to be housed in those rooms? Will the funds go to the destitute voters? I don't know but maybe there are some projects but there are no distinguishing ones that I remember.

In my more than a decade stay here in Papsie's place, I have not practically seen or witnessed or experienced something worthy as a valuable project. Take for example the basket ball court that was completed during the time of the current top official's term. It was not his accomplishment but that of the previous official's. After that, the basketball court has not improved while other barangays' basketball courts were aesthetically improved.

When one passes by the overpass with its many litters everyday, how can your temper not rise? Very seldom do I see this infra clean. On my way to the tricycle station, it is the everyday inconvenience that can drive anyone to curse the officials. There was a leak somewhere on that part of the road. It was like it rains everyday and the road is always flooded, the murky and stagnant water is a sore in the eye. Two of the counselors live nearby and I wonder again, don't they have eyes to see?

In our case, we had a domestic problem that we had already brought to court, because the top official did not help sincerely. It could have an earlier resolution from the barangay but because of the delays (for what clear reason, we don't know), the problem was brought to the national barangay council. He (the top official) even has the nerve to scorn the move when he had it pending in his records for months! Oh, I remember. Papsie's family and some relatives voted for his opponents last elections. Is that enough reason to delay or refuse service to a constituent when what he did was just exercise his voting rights? Besides, he is seated already and enjoying the benefits, or better, reaping the harvest. Why the bias?

It is really sad that in these units of the society, inefficiency prevails and relaxed service is provided. They are not even held accountable for the inefficiency and poor service.

There are still a lot of not so nice observations. And the guys have loyalists. But even the Marcoses have loyalists, too.