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400 23 September 2008 |
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MY hometown Argao in
Cebu celebrates its 400th year of existence this year. Festivities held
last week to commemorate this milestone in the town’s life drew me back
once more to the place that gave me my roots, giving a welcome respite
from national concerns and time for some much-needed introspection and
reflection – for my hometown’s past and its future. At 400 years, Argao can be considered one of the oldest towns in the Philippines. It was founded in 1608 as a Spanish pueblo. Officials of the town and concerned citizens embraced this heritage and took steps to ensure that the distinct Spanish and early American architecture that give Argao its unique character is preserved. Through these efforts, the church of San Miguel Arcangel remains as it was when it was first built, although time and the elements have taken their toll on its structure, façade and all. Within its walls also remains one of the 14 remaining Spanish era pipe organs. The experience of seemingly going back in the Spanish-era is not limited to visits to the church, neither at the Balay Lungsod sa Argao. Outside, houses made from "tisa," a material which is said to have been imported straight from Spain, still lend their beauty to the Argao landscape. Life in the Spanish era can also be glimpsed through the preserved local industries of Argao. These include the manufacture of traditional native delicacies like Torta de Argao – without which no fiesta celebration would be complete – borowas, podrida, and tableya as well as the hablon or the Argao traditional weaving craft. Behind the venerable façade, however, lies a town and a people ready for the challenges and opportunities of the global marketplace, through the application of relevant information and communication technologies (ICTs). It is a mindset typified in the town’s leadership, headed by my classmate, Mayor Edsel Galeos. When in times past, it served as the venue for romance, child’s play and family activities, the town plaza is now a place where people can also enjoy free wireless internet services, to manage their affairs, personal and otherwise. The ICT-centric direction goes beyond the town square and reaches the town’s seat of authority to serve as one of the vanguards of local e-governance. Mayor Galeos said that through the local broadband network (LBN) system in place, he is constantly updated of the financial accounts of the town, even after office hours. The LBN also enables the wi-fi service at the town square. The provincial governor has been very supportive of these efforts and has pledged P2 million as additional funds for the LBN project of Argao. According to plans, 13 coastal barangays are now enjoying free internet and voice communication through voice-over internet protocol (VOIP). The LBN project is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2009. Learning all of these developments, I returned to my duties in Manila uplifted and inspired, assured that even at 400, the future of my hometown remains – like the centennial flame that was lit that evening of September 19 – bright. |
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