 |
| Photo courtesy of Brandon Morgan |
Yesterday, I learned that a child died on the spot after he was struck by lightning in a junk shop, while his brother and father are being treated in a local hospital here in San Narciso, Zambales.
I remembered it was almost 8pm on June 21, 2022, when the rain poured heavily along with the roaring thunder and frightening lightning. Since everyone in the family was already home, all we did was close the windows and doors and resumed playing "word factory" which we often do at night as a family bonding activity. However, unknown to us there was a family which needed emergency assistance. The news spread the following day and it was so sad.
Also, last year, almost the same season when we were again here for a vacation a lightning hit the electric post that caused brownout only to us as it closely affected our electric meter.
Therefore, I wonder why the barangay is not doing anything to avert possible danger or hazard to public safety? Maybe the good Mayor-elect La Rainne Sarmiento can initiate the study and possibly set up a lightning rod that can be placed in significant areas of her town to avoid further tragedy?
******
Everytime my partner and I come home here in La Paz, I can't help but notice the poor service and almost no activity in their barangay. Thus, I believe barangay in general must be audited for the programs, projects and services they render because many local offices including barangays and its officials are just there waiting for their quarterly stipend but are not doing essential work for the community and the people.
We arrived here at almost lunch time on June 5, where I learned that the outgoing Mayor has halted the regular collection of garbage after losing in the recent mayoral race. On Saturday, June 18, our family went out to light a candle and offer a short prayer to "Apo La Paz" to what they call here "Sentro/Centro" near the local beach and where the huge Barangay Hall of Barangay La Paz is also located, as well as the local court and auditorium are situated.
La Paz, indeed, is a beautiful place but sadly it lacks the affection of local elected leaders to preserve and prevent it from human destruction. The garbage bins were situated all over the park near the beach and the Centro but there were no random check ups from either barangay tanods and barangay leaders to remind the public to clean the place as they go and to always wear their face masks. It has been very noticeable here that many people are no longer keen on wearing the face masks as there are no more random check ups from the local authorities.
If this is the kind of mentality of the local leaders, perhaps the higher local officials particularly the Department of the Interior and Local to demand report and audit from barangays such as the Barangay La Paz to compel them to work because they are really lacking the drive to do what is expected of them being the smallest unit of the government.
I hope I am making sense and awareness to secure the town that my partner has grown up in and love.