EDITORIAL

BAHA Marks 1st Year

Young in age but matured in outlook, relatively harmless and meek, but fired with enthusiasm and definitely capable and able to weather the storms, in fulfilling its avowed mission to stand up for its members’ rights and in upholding the group’s noble goals in fighting for the welfare and benefit of the community, especially victims of natural calamities - floods, pollution, disease and contamination, name it, vigilant members of the Bacolod Anti-Baha Alliance, are not found wanting, and won’t allow complacency, either. 

That appears to be the spirit of community involvement that the Alliance has so far exemplified and imparted to the citizenry of this capital city when they took it upon themselves to unite and work for the common cause of not only well-heeled residents of Santa Clara Subdivision, but all city dwellers, regardless of status in life, on the first anniversary of BAHA held yesterday and highlighted with thanksgiving mass at USLS.

Born out of an outpouring floodwater that inundated their surroundings sometime last year, the vigilant and no-nonsense group of well-to-do families, definitely among the more influential names in the city, lost no time gathering themselves and then and there formed what is now one of the most potent forces in service to community and people. 

The constant flooding caused by, among others, clogged-up drainage, rivers and creeks that have not been dredged for quite sometime until BAHA raised a loud howl, the criminal neglect and the lack of a long-term drainage program in the city, worsened by people’s carelessness in garbage and waste disposal, all contributed to the tragic consequences that had threatened the very existence of people along the path of disaster during rainy weather.

In short, the life-threatening condition in many parts of the city, called for immediate, drastic action not only by the city authorities but principally also by the people themselves who stand be the unfortunate victims. This was the sad state of things that prompted civic-spirited citizens who now compose the nucleus of the Anti-Baha Alliance or BAHA to unite and do something, without whose fearless advocacies, many problems of seemingly insurmountable proportions could have been left hanging, unattended and ignored.

Today, on just its first year of community involvement, the Alliance has paved the way for people’s awareness and sense of responsibility, that they should not always rely on their public officials but must take the initiative, get involved and storm the heavens, if need be, to help themselves in trying to solve their common problems, because unless they do so, help may not come at all, thus, the need for each and everyone to try hard to be able to stand on their own two feet. 

Self-reliance, self-help, an independent mind and a determination to prevail over all the challenges and hardships that come our way should always guide our plans and actions for the common good. If only for such a realization of being independent-minded, strong-willed and a determined citizenry, the Anti-Baha Alliance can be considered a real force for good that should deserve our full support and cooperation.

We need fighters for righteousness, sticklers for justice and good virtues, advocates for peace, harmony and positive values, men and women who can lead and enlighten, who have the talent and the means to inspire, motivate and keep our hopes high in the midst of trials and tribulations. 

It is us, the citizenry who can make that happen, and with enlightened leaders like them, we can look forward to better times ahead. For that alone, members of the Alliance deserve kudos and a pat on the back. 

Congratulations to BAHA on its first anniversary. Let’s keep the floods of community involvement rampaging its way into people’s hearts and minds. And let the recalcitrants and doubting Thomases now realize that community problems can only be eased when everyone does his or her share of the burden. We live in a world of turmoil. And disaster. Let us be prepared for the worst, always. Don’t be caught flat-footed. Be ready to wade in floodwaters, if necessary.*