Congratulations to Mayor Manuel “Chiquiting” Sagarbaria for his successful leadership in ensuring the safety and security of all the returning alumni, friends and visitors during the 110th Founders’ Day activities of Silliman University from Aug. 22 to 28. As expected, the visitors trooped to the boulevard, restaurants, hotels, shopping areas, and other places of entertainment. Most of them were impressed by the new buildings, clean tree-lined streets, and the charm of the University Town which had updated itself.
Due recognition must be given to Silliman President Dr. Ben Malayang III for the aura of vibrancy and renewal emanating from the upgraded , newly-painted, or -constructed buildings, evidencing the University’s efforts at fund raising and networking to obtain funds for the upkeep and development of the campus.
Silliman University celebrated its 110th founding anniversary with gratefulness and exuberance, anchoring its identity to its motto via veritas, vita.
However, amidst the unmistakable celebratory mood, another extrajudicial killing in Looc happened. Although, it did not affect the campus, it is a reminder that evil lurks in the surrounding vicinity.
Some people are resigned to the fact that these extrajudicial killings are indicias of progress, and they are not affected because the ones killed are usually drug personalities or those with links to any illegal trade.
These people are so wrong because as the saying goes, “For whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee!”
It means that no one is exempt from such threat, and this is the reason why, instead of blaming the Mayor, the Police or any other government agency, we should come together as a responsible community, and in our sphere of influence, search for the root cause of the problem and together find solutions.
For instance, the basic unit of every society is the family. Do you know where your family members are, right now? Do you know what your children do when they go out of your homes? Who are the people who hang out with your children? Is evil present in your own home through the internet connections/social networking sites, in your home computer or cellphones?
In an ideal world, if each family takes care of its own, there is a bigger chance we can keep our family members safe. And it will be easier to identify those who intend to harm our family, and the community at large.
If each one who professes to be a Christian/devout Muslim, acts on his/her belief, then we shall have a peaceful community.
This call is made to the schools, church groups, civic groups, business groups to band together with the local government officials and police authorities to find a better, concerted, community-based solution because the present situation is simply unacceptable.