By: Telly Gonzaga-Ocampo
To whom this may concern
I have just heard that one time, during the distribution of the AYUDA (whatever it means) from government, the physically challenged mother of my good friend, had to be literally carried her grandchildren to the barangay hall in order to personally claim her AYUDA as a senior citizen. This was the RULE according to the barangay health workers.
I find this crazy and disgusting. Pastilan no? Wala gyud sila makahunahuna nga maglisud na gyud ang pensioner paglakaw? Senior na bitaw. And secondly most seniors with disability do not have their own caregivers. Who can afford a caregiver now with prices of food, unreachable and the salary they set is equal to the salary of new nurses in local private hospitals? Food not included.
Sometimes, I ask how a barangay health worker can lose her arithmetic. Mothers go abroad because of a higher pay. And what is the cost? The cost becomes a social problem especially if it’s the mother leaving the husband, her children, and her home. It might be that I have seen so much of such stories in the “Maala-ala Mo Kaya” show of Charo Santos. The drama series is going on its 4th decade now. And so many families are shattered because of the situation. Seldom can we find husbands taking over the roles of a mother and father and became successful in solidifying the family.
Why can’t DSWD or the office of situation affairs or the barangay health worders deliver the cash gift? Normally a gift is delivered. Nindot man gud ang feeling kon nahinumduman ka patabanan ug istorya nga ginagmay. One ill of the aging is loneliness. Little by little, spouses and friends pass on and suddenly there’s no one to talk to, remembering those days of youth.
Pardon me for saying this. I don’t like the idea of politicians sending birthday cakes. Haven’t they realized that people our age are avoiding sugar? Its no longer healthy for us.
On the other hand, Ma’am Enriqueta “Equit” Borja Butalid just passed on. She is an icon for culture and the arts. Despite her age she continued with her music. Music was part of her soul and spirit.
By the way in the second quarter of 2025, Ma’am Equit and our group, went to an interior barangay of our town to document the “RICO-RICO”. It’s the local interpretation of Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn. They were refused and ended with Jesus born in a manger.
Reading the tribute of former governor and congressman Edgar Chatto to Ma’am Equit was touching. It had depth and meaning. I like it. You could read it from the facebook page of Edgar. His tribute speaks of the good kind of person that he is.
To Ma’am Equit, I say that this is not goodbye. Till we meet again.
From left to right Ma’am Ekit Butalid, Carmen Gatal, yours truly and Ma’am Ekit’s assistant. Taken at the Canggawa chapel with the RICO0-RICO team.