Touching lives!

‘BIYAHENG BUKID’ HEARS

VOICES OF THE FORGOTTEN

By Manny Piñol

Aboard MV Maria Felisa – On the last stretch of the 5-day “Biyaheng Bukid” Caravan while crossing the channel from Southern Leyte to Surigao del Norte, a neat looking young man approached me and asked if I could spare him a few minutes.

He introduced himself as Fire Officer 1 Rio Baja and said that he comes from the small town of San Francisco in Southern Leyte.

The story that FO1 Baja shared made me realize that there are still so many remote places in the country where people have not been touched by government.

Farmers in San Francisco, including his father, have to carry their produce to the town proper on their back because there are no farm to market roads.

“I was born and I grew in the town and the only time we hear of good news is when politicians make promises during election time,” FO1 Baja said.

I felt so frustrated knowing that there are still places I have to go to, voices I have to hear and lives I have to touch to make them feel that Government cares.

Before the Ferry docked in Lipata, Surigao del Norte, I promised FO1 Baja that I will visit San Francisco early next year.

Arriving home in Kidapawan City at 3 a.m. today, I checked on the map of San Francisco through Google Map and I could hardly locate where it is. Finally, I saw it in the island of Panaon south of the main island of Leyte.

I am sharing this story because I would like people in Government to realize that there are still places in the country where until today the residents yearn for the day when their voices would be heard and their lives touched.

Travelling across the country is indeed gruelling and tiring but I need to walk an extra kilometer to make people feel that President Rody Duterte cares.

#BiyahengBukidRocks!

#DuterteDelivers!

#PresRodyCares!

#ListenToVoicesUnheard!

(Video and photos were taken by Mayette Tudlas)

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