Winning Hearts and Minds

“Must we sacrifice what we hold precious in the name of development and progress?” Lily argued passionately. The debate remains a stalemate. No one on either side of the issue wants to give in. Each holds on to their position strongly.

“But this development and progress, my dear,” and there’s sarcasm in Leon’s voice, “will bring employment to many of our people!  This moment, that is uppermost in their mind. Not your “Save the Environment” advocacy! That advocacy will not bring food to their mouth. This will!” He then pointed vigorously to the development plan laid out before the Town Council.

Leon Guerrero (yes, his parents named him after that movie character because he is going to be the defender of the oppressed) and Lily Bombay are members of the Municipal Council.  Now Lily became a member of the Municipal Council by virtue of being elected President of the League of Barangay Captains.  She is the Barangay Captain of Hill Spring, the barangay that hosts the contested spring.

The council has been debating all day long for the approval of the proposal to convert their natural spring into a tourist destination. The two represented the two opposing positions. Leon is for the approval of converting the natural spring into tourist destination while Lily opposes it quite vehemently.

“Is that all you think of? The money that this project will bring into our town? What about the destruction of our natural habitat? What about the pollution? Noise pollution! Garbage! The traffic. Not to mention the possibility of subjecting our women and children to trafficking!” Lily argued.

“Oh, stop that melodrama!” Leon pounded on the table.

Vice Mayor Santi Santisima pounds on the gavel.  “I think let’s take a break. An hour or so, until we gain cooler heads?” Even before he could pound on the gavel to adjourn the session, Leon and Lily rush to the door out of the Assembly Hall and into their own offices.  Both of them fuming.

While in their own offices, both send their staff on an errand.

“I need the PENRO’s opinion on this matter, Shirley.” Lily sends her secretary to the provincial capitol.  “The PENRO has to certify that opening the spring to the general public may endanger our natural habitat.”

“Get the provincial’s Budget and Management people.  We have to prove to these people what huge income will this development project bring not only to our town but to the entire province,” Leon directed his staff.  Then he gulped a glass of cold water which was handed to him by his staff.

Leon could not understand why his proposal is being met with solid opposition. How could Lily oppose the development of her barrio! It would be to her credit if this project pushes through during her term as Barangay Captain. And it would be good for her political career.

On the other hand, Lily was fuming mad that all Leon could see is profit on this development proposal.  Oh, she knows the business associates Leon have.  Did it just happen that these business associates are behind the development proposal?

Thinking aloud, her staff heard her say, “For all I know that Leon wanted to push for the approval of that development proposal because he is going to get a kick back!”

After an hour of recess, the councillors are back in the session hall.  The Vice Mayor expected cooler heads with the resumption of the session.  To his surprise, the contenders came back fully loaded with ammunition.  Each one threw facts, figures and personal attacks at each other.  Until they were halted by a small voice.

“Mr. Vice, may I speak?”  Everyone in the session hall stood still.  Literally, it felt like a bucket of freezing cold water was poured on them. In a tentative manner, an aging woman, bent from a lifetime of hard labor in the field says, “I am a resident of Hill Spring.  I think you should hear what an old woman has to say over this issue.”

In deference to her age, perhaps, or because the Vice Mayor just wants to dissipate the tension, he gives the woman the floor.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I heard about the development plan for our beloved hill spring.  As you can see, I am old.  That hill spring has been part of my life even before I was born.  I was told that my umbilical cord was buried by the river bank.  I was first bathed in that spring.  I have bathed my children and their children in that spring.  The old narra tree that provided shade stand witness to countless love that bloomed in that spring. 

“So when I heard that plans are on their way in developing the spring, I cried.  I cried for a desecration of the place where many placentas were buried. I cry of the commercialization of the sacred spot where the seed of love has been planted and bloomed.

“But if this honourable body can assure me that the old narra tree remains untouched so it can continue to witness the development of many relationships...

“...if this body can assure me that those whose placentas were buried in the river banks are given honourable employment so that they can provide for their family ...

“... if this body can assure me that families are valued so that husbands and wives do not have to be separated in order to provide for their family; children do not grow up without the loving personal care of their parents...

My dear councillors, I am an old woman! Before I die, I’d like to experience to bathe in a swimming pool. I’d like to hear the laughter of the children as they slide down into the deep pool.  I’d like to see young people tease each other in a well lighted park. Thank you.”

The session ends.  One by one, debaters, audience, and preside leave the session hall.  But before Leo could enter his office, Lily pulls him, “That was a cheap trick you pulled there, Bro. Bringing an old woman!”

“All for the best, Sis. All for the best!” Leo smiled impishly.  “Oh, by the way, may I remind you, dinner at 7pm. The Gov will wait for our report.”

“Oh, yeah, I forgot,” Lily said.  “The traditional family meeting!”

“See you there! Make sure Jun and the kids are present.” Leo waves.