Election Update (19-Mar-2010)

Once again I am back at the Sagada internet shop opening my more than 6000 e-mails many of which piled up in a matter of one week. I came here around four days ago from one of my sorties only to be disappointed by the erratic signals which did not allow me at all to send responses and messages to all concerned. I have to hit the road again going to farflung areas where I have never been before. Such are the realities and the nature of this political exercise I beg your indulgence for any shortcomings specially reporting regularly on the progress of this campaign.

Thus even while the official campaign period is supposed to start March 26 I have been visiting many barangays in the province as a way of "getting-to-know-you" because I have to project myself to the widest possible audience considering that I am running on the province level for the first time.

From my trip to Paracelis some weeks back I started meeting support groups in places like Sinto and 102 which were mobilized by Atty. Noe Malinias who is helping my campaign in those areas. I wish I can send you a picture of Noe on metal crutch as he tries hard to improve his physical health due to a stroke he encountered almost two years ago. He has been with me in all my latest hopping trips in Bauko and Tadian being complemented by another active campaign leader, ABC Councilor Jaime Tigan-o Dugao who is also using a metal cane because of an ailing femur. As people cheer them on they return the compliments by saying, "Palugar, palugar"! meaning we can overcome despite our condition.

Lately I had been able to hold political meetings in Barangays Payeo, Geday, and Lacmaan all in Besao in separate occasions. Even before this I met with different groups and political leaders in Barangay Pingad, Sabangan, in Barangay Tuwe, Tadian, and in Barangay Banao, Bauko. Yesterday, I joined a "tuloy" (requiem) in Bagnen which is my father's birthplace and interphased with a gathering of people. Then I proceeded to Tadian and Kayan where I held meetings with two political groups. It's very tiring but very encouraging to say the least because you can see the enthusiasm that is growing in every place and groups that I meet. At this point many are willing to invest in my candidacy.

Also at this point, I am greatly overwhelmed by the show of support and assistance that you are all generating for this campaign. Even while I am late in my responses and reports I am sure that you are still performing your invaluable support activities without which it is impossible to go on. Initially we have designated Ben Longid and Atty Paul Sagayo to receive the contributions but will be turned over to a management committee that will be created for the purpose of wisely and effectively managing the contributions.

There are many important needs that are identified at this stage of the campaign and there will be more as the official campaign period begins. At this stage I am very sure that the problem of mobility is a primary concern that we have to address. The nature of our mountainous terrains will definitely require an effective and efficient mobility for all those who will be directly involved in going to the various places around the province. My many travels around the area will definitely reduce the frequency of moving about but there will be many more follow up visits by campaign teams.

Admittedly we have not yet organized a well structured political machinery because much of what had been done is to do a lot of contact building and to really identify the more effective and efficient political leaders who can command a strong and wide political influence in their respective areas. But we are getting close to that.
Lately I learned that Jet Kollin is presently around here in the Philippines. Please be informed that your contributions will be in responsible and efficient hands. I am aware that even as face moneyed candidates I am able to draw strength and inspiration from all of you. From all our concerted efforts both here and outside of this province I have strong confidence that we will prevail.

Your public servant,
Thomas "Champag" Killip