A friendly visit

It was a warm sunny day when Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene “Migz” A. Dominguez finally came to see us in Lanao del Norte. He has long wanted to visit since I was transferred out of his province for a posting in Lanao in August 2008, but the prevailing unpeace prevented him to do so.

His Province of Sarangani, a coastal region of south-central Mindanao, has a population of about half a million with an area of 4,442 square kilometers. Interestingly, its demography and topography is closely similar to that of Lanao del Norte. Also, both provinces suffered from armed violence and social dislocation last year for similar reasons.

Seating in a discussion, Migz, an AFP reservist officer, quickly grasped the key points of the prepared situation briefing despite the military jargon. He shared his thoughts and experiences on the role of the military in the de-escalation of violence and in protecting the communities. He also took pride of the good performance of the military in his province even as he congratulated the 104th Infantry Brigade officers and personnel for its fine performance.



Later, we took him to relish the famous Maria Cristina Falls which he intimated was his first time. Then the youthful governor paid his courtesies to the youngest provincial governor in the country—Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo.

Governor Migz may have enjoyed this trip and may have found it worthwhile, but 104th Infantry Brigade was certainly more honored by this friendly visit. My best to the people of Sarangani.

An hour with a lawmaker

How do lawmakers make time to attend to their personal aspirations and commitments despite their already demanding professional obligations particularly in representing their constituents in the formulation of laws?

Perhaps, the visit of Congressman Rozzano Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon to the 104th Infantry Brigade Headquarters gives a peek at how lawmakers use their time and weave through their hectic schedules.

Congressman Biazon of Muntinlupa City came for a visit in Iligan City to grace a social event. He also took the occasion for exchanges with the locals and the city mayor. In that same day of 16 May, he allotted an hour to visit the brigade headquarters as the Senior Vice Chairman of the Committee on National Defense and Security, Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, and Committee on Veterans Affairs and Welfare and the Committee on Appropriations.



Accompanied by his wife and his staff, the congressman surveyed the camp with a sense of nostalgia. He revealed having spent his younger years in this area when his father, now Senator Rodolfo Biazon, was earlier posted as a Philippine Marine Officer. He then walked over to the assembled soldiers taking a moment to talk of relevant legislative developments. He was applauded by the troops when he announced the forthcoming salary adjustments to take effect by July of this year. He also informed them of proposed bills to raise combat pay as well as quarter’s allowances of the uniformed services.

He then proceeded to listen to a security situation briefing covering Lanao del Norte; asked questions and took notes which he explained would aid him in his work in Congress. After which, he congratulated the brigade and the troops for restoring the peaceful conditions in the province and in helping build a favorable image of the AFP to the people in the area.

Taking just about an hour with the brigade, the lawmaker was again on his way to his next appointment, but not without seeing Maria Cristina Falls first. Wistfully, he would say it had been awhile since he last saw it. He was pleased to receive news of a group of retired Philippine Marines—who earlier served his father—awaiting his arrival at the entrance to the famous waterfalls.

The visit of Congressman Biazon may be considered short, yet, every moment he spent was worth the while: for him and for those that he honored with his presence.