Epal Politicians, shot straight.

Two days of no work allowed me to devour on the text version of Eat, Pray, Love. I'm currently halfway through and there was this part of the story that struck me the most (Theology reflection paper ito?haha) It was when Giovanni, a friend of Liz who was the main protagonist of the story, was telling her that every place has its own word. A word that predominates the mindset of the people in one geographic location.  They go on telling each other words that describe the places where they came from; SEX for Rome, ACHIEVE for New York. 

This makes me think of a word that would describe the Philippines now that it's facing heavy flooding. 

Could it be UNITY? Surely, this tragedy showed how resilient Filipinos are. That feeling of bayanihan spreading all over the streets and social media. 12,000 inmates of Bilibid prison even skipped their meals to have something to contribute.  Celebrities doing dole out public service and mass information campaigns. Everyone in a complete and synchronized action toward public safety. It makes makes me feel good knowing that everyone is trying to do their part. 

How about HOPE? The government and relief operations seem to be more responsive. PAGASA is currently doing a good job by implementing new form of citizen alerts (Red, Yellow, and Green) and doing weather reports, not the most accurate but still very helpful. The MMDA gives instant information over social media about traffic and flood situations. I think we're getting better  at this disaster management thing. I see no trace of helplessness in Juan dela Cruz these past few days. I am ecstatic.

Unfortunately, some politicians night have another word to describe the Philippines now: OPPORTUNITY. 

Masbate Governor and congressman

While the victims of the flood highly value the relief goods donated by politicians, they do not need to see the donor's faces on their every meal. (Surely, these cans do not contain parts of their bodies in brine or tomato paste) Some say this was just black propaganda but if this was true, it's very surprising that they even thought of this initiative with all that's currently happening. Instead of using all the help they can use to pack more supplies, they use part of the manpower to individually place stickers on each can of sardines. Which I think is more tedious than placing everything in a plastic bag. Now that the original wrapper is gone, how will the people of Masbate even know if what they got is the original or spicy variant of sardines? 

Mayor Echiverri of Caloocan must've enjoyed this photo op for his upcoming political agenda as he was handing his Echiverri-branded relief goods to this woman. And I don't think this is just black propaganda

Mayor Echiverri and his branded relief goods

Looks like Mayor Echiverri wasn't alone in using this promotion strategy. Benjo Bernabe and Rico Golez also says "Yes!" to uncalled for campaigning and self-promotion. 

PNoy, Kris, and cabinet members in Muntinlupa

PNoy, having more visibility during times like these, visited an evacuation center in Muntinlupa. It might have been a well-meaning gesture if not for his entourage, who were allegedly future senatorial candidates. A report in Bandila said that PNoy was only with his sister and cabinet members. How come I see Risa Hontiverros in the picture? Hmmm. Probably if they just split up and went to different locations, they might have helped a whole lot more Filipinos. 

If this rubber boat is private property, ergo not funded by tax payer's money, a little break on self-promotion might help make this effort more sincere. Must public officials have their names printed on everything?

Castello

This practice had been going on for so long and nothing seems to have been implemented yet to address the issue except for that proposed "Anti-Epal Bill"  by Sen. Miriam Santiago. It a responsibility for public officials to serve their people. The public do not owe them anything for helping out. I wish that politicians would focus less on their selfish motives and rather live up to the public service that they campaigned and were elected for. 

Filipinos must be more vigilant and less tolerant with these kind of acts. If these officials want publicity for themselves, then lets go ahead give them the publicity they deserve. Something... like... this...

Here's the result:

While I was looking for pictures, I came across a group page in FB named Anti-Epal and a blog which feature your favorite politicians doing what they do best. The blog is even in need of Epal Hunters, volunteer if you wish :)