By Anthony A. Araos
Fulfilling the role of a “father” in a family is surely one thing. Honoring a “father” in a society is another.
The Ifugao Father’s Day celebration listed a different keynote speaker. A foreigner, so it seems. Suddenly, a new one! Program organizer quipped: “This will do.”
“Perfect choice,” I mused. In the first place, no need for an import. There is rather a deep bench to tap right here in Ifugao. Certainly, the province isn’t short of resources for this noteworthy purpose.
Henceforth, Tam-an Banaue Multipurpose Cooperative founder Jose Tomas Sr. graced this all-important occasion as its guest of honor and speaker. It was witnessed by a well-attended crowd in Lagawe.
A loving father, Tomas shared a lot of insights on the “success story” of his “billionaire” cooperative. I’m really impressed with the programs and services of this cooperative under the dynamic leadership of Tomas who also served as vice governor and board member of Nueva Vizcaya, a province with a first class distinction.
The rise of the cooperative is no fluke. The rise is the fruit of the able stewardship of Tomas and efficiency of its personnel.
A caring father, Tomas spelled out the significance of public service amid the controversies brought about by issues on pervasiveness of corruption in the local and national government. Repeatedly said: Public office is a public trust. To my mind, it connotes the real essence of honest and sincere public service.
Politics is so dirty- in the Philippines. Now we have so many crooks in the government. They are now operating a lucrative crocodile industry.
Tomas spent his fruitful years in public service with an untarnished record. Undoubtedly, he showed his capacity to lead and the heart to serve the people and the country. He endeavored tirelessly to make sure that life is better, kinder and more equitable for everyone, especially the marginalized. This is so important for poverty-stricken Ifugao folks. They need to hear from speakers like Mr. Tomas, unafraid to tell Filipinos there are more reasons to enjoy life.
Many things shaped Tomas, alongside his family’s deep Christian convictions and hardships of their daily life.
There’s always “nostalgia” in gatherings as this one. I called it so, as long as I can remember, I can say without hesitation of my esteemed friend Tam-an, that he is always making a great step forward- the sameness, repeated over and over and over.
“We’ve been inspired,” a community leader of Barangay Caba in Lagawe said.
May more good and admirable individuals like Jose Tomas Sr. hopefully multiply tenfold in the country. Even in the civil sector Tomas pursues his unflinching commitment of improving lives and building dreams.
Good Ifugao father is rare, whether in business or in politics. Finding an ideal “father” in Ifugao indeed is a toll order but we can stand looking at this narrative. By his demeanor and behavior, Tomas has already made Ifugao folks very proud.
Relatedly, may I laud the professional integrity of Imelda Tuguinay, as head of the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office- forerunner of this program.**
