The Itbud Reporter

ITBUD - Good day to you all! Well, I've been on the island for a little over two years now, and I can say without any reservations, life is good! Of course, I'm retired and I don't go up to the fields everyday, and I sit around talking with the folks that come by all the time, so my perspective is a little different from someone that's a farmer here.

A very good experience

I am finding that in the conversations here that there is great disappointment in the way all of you are seeing things here. Yes, we don't have a hospital that has all of the latest gadgets, bells and whistles, but I don't see any of you jumping up and buying any of those things we need. I can say this, that within the first six months I was here I had a medical emergency, and spent nine days in the hospital in Basco. I can say it was a very good experience, and I was well cared for within the parameters of my illness.

Another one of my favourite subjects is the electricity that we have here. I am very happy to report that we have moved from intermittent "we have power!" to intermittent interruptions. I dare you to say that you don't have interruptions from time to time. Of course, the down side of having power all the time is my electric bill has gone up a lot because of having power all the time.

One of the many projects that my wife and I have entered into is raising pigs. So if any of you have any tips on hog farming let us know! Also, remember if you don't like what I'm putting out you have the right to write to me and say the things you don't agree with me on. My name and address is William M. Griffin, Itbud, Uyugan, Batanes Is., Philippines 3903. I would love to hear from you, besides it would spice up my life. Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of things going on, I just enjoy a good intellectual conversation and I like to have a different side presented when all of the facts fit the subject and situation.

Some of you know me well enough to know that with out warning I'll ask: "Did you consider this and its overall effects?" A good example of this is the breakwater in Basco. No one thought of doing an environmental impact statement to accompany the plans, so no one was considering the three streams that dump nothing but sewage into the bay, and what would happen when you stop the flow of the tides. After the above question was asked, the project has now returned to a planning stage. Yes, we need a protected port, but at what cost?

You guys want something to chew on, let me offer you this for your consideration. Corruption; it is now out of control. A good example I found. Supervisors that withhold employees pay for up to a year so they can receive the interest on the money that's in their account. I'm amazed at the attitude of the ones that are directly affected. "Oh well it's always been that way, so why say anything. They would just fire us anyway!" These are the types of thing you need to work on.

Our port facilities are another good subject to chew on. I have had conversations with several of the major users of the port and they are in agreement with me that updated equipment and facilities should be offered. As to how we will accomplish this radical change is another subject. As most of us see it; it is a geopolitical subject. Politically, the government wants the port in Basco, and is unwilling to give consideration to any other location. Also, if the port were to be updated, the National highway would need to be widened between Basco and Mahatao; this would destroy one of the major tourist attractions.

Like the airport, if the highway is moved to a different route, it would mean that land would have to be taken from farmers, and that is a major political football.

Happy Holidays, Folks!

Well it's the holidays, and we need to be thinking more about our families and the joy of the last year. Counting our blessings, and giving good cheer. So from me and my family, we wish you all a joyous Christmas and a very good New Year! Happy Holidays, Folks! See you next year.
- William M. Griffin, December 2006