Do you have a good idea of the tragedy that has befallen our town, why it has progressed by only a few inches after decades of politicians’ promises of ‘milk and honey’ for us? But is this tragedy due more to our distance from the mainland or due to leaders who do not look at us with enough sympathy?
It is too visible not to be seen, this lack of sympathy for us. Even the unlettered can see through the mist of apathy of those officials who are supposed to look after our welfare but who instead devoted much of their time promoting their own betterment.
There is even the suspicion that they look at us in Caramoan as a people to be exploited, to be oppressed, to be abandoned. If they display bleeding hearts, that is when they come for your votes. They shed tears for our misfortune but they are crocodile tears.
Destroy that façade and you will see the real ugliness, the real motive. It may shock you to know they have very little love for you. Blame their too much concern for their personal advancement for this attitude.
The manifestations of this neglect, this lack of concern are everywhere: the damaged roads, the rotting bridges, the unfinished projects, the grinding poverty, the hopelessness on people’s faces.
You won’t see such things in communities with good leaders.
The Oroc-Osoc- Paniman road which is only over three kilometers in length, is an example. Started about 50 years ago to link Paniman with the rest of the town, it has still to be finished, believe it or not. Ugly patches of cement are between muddy pockmarked portions, a reminder of a promise broken time and again.
The wooden bridge in Oroc-Osoc has been left in a state of disrepair for years, you won’t dare cross it in a tricycle. It is unsafe.
That is a surreal picture of a Caramoan barrio, neglected for decades, a place, in the words of outsiders, reached only by thunder and lighting, a place unreachable except by sturdy feet.
The Guijalo- Poblacion road which is in a mess, is another example of a perverted system of priorities. Highways leading to big barrios are cemented but look at this road, left to the elements. And Guijalo is the entry point of tourists visiting the scenic town.
The 3rd district of Camarines Sur which includes Caramoan is ruled by the Fuentebellas. For over 50 years, they have the area under their firm control, the undefeated political champs. If you are close to them, you will have your heady days in the choice government post of your heart’s desire.
But with the manna dispensed by them go things you won’t easily refuse according to critics.
Look at the Partido Development Administration (PDA). The CRANE MONITOR has reported that it has served as sanctuary of Rep. Arnulfo Fuentebella’s followers, quoting Tigaon Mayor Bombase. The cash-strapped government is losing P100 million yearly at the PDA, it said.
If this is true, this too much bleeding should be stopped. The PDA is wasting your money and mine in an undertaking that benefits few individuals. (Paniman road is now better under Mayor Benemerito - ed.)
