AN APPEAL FOR SUPPORT I have accepted the LABAN nomination as congressional candidate for the lone district of Romblon for the May 14, 2001 elections not for any consideration but out of my sense of public duty. Having been a member of the party since 1987, I cannot now renege on the call to serve, when Romblon is at the lowest ebb of her political and economic life. The province is now the poorest in the Philippines, according to a study conducted by the University of the Philippines in 1999. One quick visit to the province will easily validate this stark reality. There are practically no well-paved roads. The provincial economy is growing by 2.2% per year but this is outstripped by the growth of population which is 2.4%. Malnutrition is very high at 20%. Fifty two (52%) of total households have no sanitary toilet, and 20% have no access to safe, drinking water. Maternal death is common and rising. Drop-out rate in schools is around 30%. In this time of revolutionary communications technology, Romblon is a throwback to the Stone Age. It is not a surprise that one will have to spend 20 minutes to dial a single call from Manila to Romblon, Romblon, or Odiongan. When I was assigned in Romblon in 1989, I used to go there by air because Philippine Airlines has daily flights from Manila and vice versa. Now, there is not a single flight by any other airline. The airport has been closed. Unemployment is widespread. Illegal drug use is prevalent, including illegal fishing, illegal gambling and other communicable social ills. Peace and order situation is at its worse. There are now mass bases of the New People's Army (NPA) in Tablas and last year, there have been two encounters between the rebels and the authorities. There is also a budding agrarian unrest in Sta. Fe. In the face of these embarassing socio-economic diseases afflicting Romblon, its leaders are practically doing nothing. They lack vision, talent, will, and the capability to lead. Almost all members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan are contractors. The congressman and the governor are businessmen. The mayors are worse. If not protectors of illegal gambling and other vices, they are the gamblers themselves. Romblon is ripe for a revolution. I am running in the May 14 elections to help diffuse the seething discontent of the people which might explode anytime soon. I am offering myself as the only alternative to the crazy politicians now roaming free in the province. My candidacy is not for myself. I may not even be a factor in the elections. In fact, I maintain that there are Romblomanons whose leadership capability and talent and their ability to mount an effective political campaign is far more superior than mine but they are nowhere to be found. They are afraid of the traditional politicians whose well-funded and well-oiled machinery, fueled of course by money, are already entrenched. I may lose. But my defeat will never diminish my person, neither will it stop me from advocating and pushing for reforms and change in our blighted province. With my candidacy, I hope to open the doors to young leaders who would like to serve but are deterred because they lacked the means--money, if you will--to mount a campaign. I would also like to set an example to future leaders that they need to serve the province while they are still young and strong, not when they are debilitated and after they have retired. Public service is too important to be made a vacation haven, or a source of income, for retirees. I have not lost sight of the fact that mounting a provincial campaign entails enormous resources. As I prepare for the rigors of the electoral battle ahead, I know that I will have to dig deep into my personal savings without any assurance that it will be replenished. But this is unimportant to me now. The task ahead is to convince as many Romblomanons that a vote for Nicon is a vote for hope and the security of their and their children's future. It would be a vote for decency in public service, for good governance, for change, for reform. These are the fundamental elements of the messages I shall carry across during the campaign. I have constituted the Nicon Congressional Campaign Committee (NICON)as a backbone of my campaign for Congress. The committee in Metro Manila is headed by Prospero Fabregas. Overseas, I would like to ask that Uncle Flosie head it. The committee is now accepting contributions for the campaign. The money that will be raised will not be used to buy votes. It will be used to rent transportation and sound system, food for the campaign workers, and other normal campaign expenses. Contributions shall be acknowledged, accounted for, and duly reported to the proper electoral bodies. If you think, feel, and believe that the cause of change and reform in Romblon should be sustained, I appeal for your help. If you believe it would do honor for Sibale to have one of its sons represent her in Congress; if you are convinced I can and will respond to the challenge, please help. I shall not fail you. Thank you and may God bless us all. Sincerely, Nicon F. Fameronag |