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November 8, 2002
Dear Arthur,
One of the many intrinsic rewards of being a teacher is the role she plays in
shaping the future of her students and the privilege of having been a part of
their formative years.
When I was first introduced to Governor Sally Zaldivar-Perez in April 2001,
she asked me if Hilario Mantac was my father, her fourth grade teacher whom
she admired. When I was there last April for the town fiesta with my husband
from Hawaii, I introduced him to some of my PBI students. I also pointed you
out as one of them, who is now the honorable Vice Mayor of Pandan.
I am proud of your accomplishments and humbled by what you have become
because as Vice Mayor, you hold the second highest executive position in the
municipality. You play a major role in the execution of justice and the
protection of the Pandananons' rights.
The existence of the NAPOCOR power plant in Patria will undoubtedly be a
glaring example of how people's rights will be relegated to nothingness and
trampled upon in the guise of shallow mercenary benefits that will be
short-lived. Lives will be lost, our beautiful, nature-blessed municipality
will be trashed, and loyalties will be divided. I am scared when I think of
the devastation and havoc the power plant will wreak into human lives, marine
life, and the environment.
But there is one thing I have overlooked in my quest for support and
redemption…YOU. I had you as my student, and knew you as upright and
righteous. You are not only there, but as Vice Mayor, you also have the
authority to wield your power and influence over the NAPOCOR controversy. So
I ask myself, "What do I have to fear, since Arthur is there?"
It takes guts, determination, and perseverance to stand up for what you
believe in. It becomes a noble endeavor if you are doing something outside
of yourself because you fight for people's rights and freedom. Taking sides
has its toll and its recriminations. It could also be lonely and
intimidating. However, if you are on the side of justice and righteousness,
you will prevail and you will overcome.
Saying "NO TO NAPOCOR" is one of these noble endeavors. The best part about
this is that you have us, the Pandananons all over the world, at your side
waging the opposition. And we come in full force. We are armed. We fight
till our last breath. We fight to win. If you have seen our strength and
fortitude in our fight against the Semirara dumpsite, you merely have a taste
of what is yet to come because if we were undeterred during our Semirara
crusade, we will be a hundredfold indomitable in our fight against NAPOCOR
because it is our very own kasimanwas and our very own shores that are being
plundered and treacherously demolished.
Arthur, time collects its dues. Someday, when things have slowed down to an
even pace and memories are all you have to attest to your worth and
contribution in this world, you will have no regrets. As you sit on the
unspoiled shores of Pandan to watch the sunset, that sunset will be beautiful
and long, even after the sun is gone.
When all is said and done, history will proudly look upon you as a leader of
principles, justice, and compassion. You will hold a place in history as a
builder, not a destroyer. As your Literature teacher, I will treasure you as
a sterling testimonial to Rudyard Kipling's poem "IF", where you walked with
kings but did not lose the common people's touch.
More power to you.
Respectfully yours,
(SGD.) Thelma Mantac Ramos
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