Notes on the US envoy

And, incidentally, some other people

He is not quite a character, and thus does not attract attention to himself. That’s my impression on US ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg who made a three-day visit to Ilocos Norte last week.

But he does have a shy and sweet schoolboy smile that brings his charm on a totally different class compared to predecessors Kristie Kenney who got giddy with some dance crazes then and Harry Thomas who is so charismatic, you want to hug him like a teddy bear.

Compared to Kenney and Thomas, Goldberg seems more the intellectual type. I heard him speak on three occasions, twice at MMSU and at the reception dinner at the Malacañang of the North. He briefly delved on a wide range of issues but he expressed strong concern for the environment, particularly on climate change.

He visited the MMSU College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology on Sept. 4 to open an exhibit of various researched-based products. The next day, he proceeded to the university’s main campus in Batac for a dialogue with students. Goldberg hailed the very strong relations between the US Embassy and MMSU, which has one of a few American Corners (resource centers) in the country, and has a growing number of faculty members doing advanced studies in the US. Once more, Goldberg talked about climate change mitigation and just a little about defense cooperation, but the questions students raised were all about the latter.

A dinner was tendered him by the provincial government on Thursday night. Organizers expected 60 people but a crowd at least three times that number showed up. The vice governor and provincial board members were not seated, either that there was a shortage of seats or they really preferred to stand up to mingle with the standing-room crowd of which I was gladly part of. Gladly, I say, because that afforded me an opportunity to do a tête–à–tête with a few interesting people, mostly about light subjects.

I asked Vice Governor Angelo Marcos Barba, for instance, why he is often seen hitting the mall or going to some stores by himself, and sans bodyguards. It amazes me, I said, because it seems he is not wary of any harm his enemies, if he has some, might inflict on him. He said he does not have enemies, at least none that he knows of, and that affords him freedom to move around freely. A fun-loving person whose charisma is in his simplicity, this is how this politician strikes me.

I never liked Toto Lazo in past years. Not that I hated him but that I just did not find reasons, or did not find myself in situations, that would make me admire him. But I do now, and mainly because of his brilliant mind which, I am glad, he is putting to good use. He is, no doubt, the most intelligent bokal of today’s Ilocos Norte.

During the public hearing on black sand mining, he came in prepared. It was very evident that he did his research. As he raised salient issues and grilled local environment officials who, ironically, seem to do more harm than good to our environment, I felt good. There is this one guy who honestly shows respect for his constituents by doing his job well.

There may be other intelligent provincial board members, I am sure there are. But, sadly, many have lackluster records well. “How would you react to the general observation (by some of my friends and media colleagues) that you’re the only intelligent human being in the Sanggunian?” I asked him. He laughed shyly and invoked his “right to remain silent.” There was Portia Salenda, also a bokal, who our elders say, is a relative. I call her “cousin” sometimes. The beauteous lady chairs the board’s tourism committee. Her mom Amor was not present at the event.

Then I observed one politician who was also going around. I did not know his name though. I just noticed him because of his strong resemblance (in terms of facial features and fashion) to Bayani Fernando. After asking several people, I eventually found out that he is a vice mayor from a municipality near Laoag. I never liked Bayani Fernando.  

I talked to another vice mayor vice mayor who I hope will become mayor soon so that one day I can say, “That mayor was my student… he was, in fact, my thesis advisee.” I am referring to Pinili Vice Mayor Rommel Labasan of Pinili. He finished college late because he had to work abroad and take care of his family. At a certain point, fortunately, he decided to go back to school. He attended classes even when he was already the town’s number one councilor. I know he feels very grateful to me because of the help I extended him in thesis writing, and so he buys me beer each time he sees me in an event. But he did not have to buy me anything that night.

Ambassador Goldberg enjoyed our local beer as well.

Cheers to friendships! Truly, iba ang may pinagsamahan.

*****

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