IN & OUT
Steve T. Barreiro

As the 2007 election campaign nears its climax, the race for the governorship has become a paramount issue and concern for all of us the constituents of Ilocos Norte.

Outgoing Governor Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr has laid the foundation for progress by succeeding in promoting the province as a tourism and investment area. This achievement is reflected in the tourism boom that Ilocos Norte is now experiencing. Pagudpud, Paoay, and Currimao have become fixtures on the tourism map. In the recent Holy Week vacation, all resorts in Pagudpud were fully booked weeks in advance. Just this week, the Fort Ilocandia Hotel hosted the national convention of Orthopedic surgeons. The establishment of the IN Hotel and Convention center should further enhance the attractiveness of IN as a major tourist and convention center

In terms of investment, the establishment of South East Asia’s first large-scale wind power plant has provided the basic necessity required to attract investors in the energy sector. The establishment of the Chinese consulate is an indication that the Chinese are preparing to move and invest heavily in Ilocos Norte. The prospects for the province are indeed bright.

Much of the credit for the success of the governor in promoting the province must also be ascribed to the political climate - the governor working hand in hand with the provincial board to make it easier for businesses to set up shop in the province. An example is the landmark Investment Code passed by the board last year. Further, the passage of the Environmental Code has ensured that environmental integrity will be maintained.

Enter politics. As the governor concludes 9 years at the helm, the next question as to who will take over looms as the biggest decision the constituents may have to make come election time. The main question that must be asked: “Who will best be able to lead and continue to bring about progress to Ilocos Norte?” Provincial Board Member and erstwhile national sports czar Michael Marcos Keon? Or former Governor and Representative Rodolfo “Rudy” Fariñas?

Keon has proven to be an excellent achiever on a national scale as reflected in his exemplary management of the sports development program of the country and the province. At the beginning of the campaign, board member and erstwhile national sports czar Michael Keon faced one major hurdle, voter awareness. This has been addressed by an intensive and grueling campaign which has had Keon campaigning unto the grassroots levels as in house-to-house sorties in every town. Further, Keon is fully supported by his cousin Gov. Bongbong Marcos, who together with his wife Lisa has been campaigning intensively on a scale never before seen, to achieve a Keon victory.

Those who have dealt with Keon subscribe to the excellence of his ability and character. He is a disciplined man for whom merit counts the most. He is a leader who has inspired loyalty and performance from those who have worked for him. Many of his former associates in Gintong Alay have gone on leave or sacrificed more lucrative jobs to assist Keon in preparations for the IRAA. One of them is Renato Unso, who took leave from his duties as PUP Athletic Dean to help out in training our athletes. Another one is Mr. Volleyball awardee Gus Santamaria, who took leave from his duties as the VP of a prawn export company to also help out. Champion javelin thrower Erlinda Lavandia and a host of others also helped.

The fact that accomplished men and women are willing to sacrifice their personal interests to work for Keon speaks volumes as to the character of the man.

Character. That is the heart of the issue. That is the standard for me to choose who, I believe, will be able to lead and continue to bring about the level of progress that the Governor has achieved.

There is no questioning the management abilities of the two protagonists for the gubernatorial post. However, abilities must take a backseat to the issue of character. For character will determine whether those abilities are indeed put to good use, for the benefit of Ilocos Norte.

And that is the knock on former Governor Rodolfo Fariñas. There are so many questions as to his character. Or lucidity. Justified or not, he has a fearsome repute. Will fear continue to attract investors? Or will fear scare away the tourists?

Further, there are rumors that in the event of a Fariñas victory, former Laoag City Mayor Roger Fariñas is set to be appointed as the provincial administrator. The former mayor is another person who, justifiably or not, has acquired a reputation for being “anti-business”. Will this attract investment? Or will such companies as Philippine Airlines decide to pack up and move out?

Character. That is the heart of the issue.

-o0o-

The rumor that the Marcoses, particularly Keon, have entered into an alleged secret deal with the Fariñas camp is untrue. The rumor goes that Rudy will give way to a Keon victory in exchange for the Marcoses withdrawal of support from former Gen. Rowland Albano who has made immense strides in the Laoag City mayoral campaign.

How can this be true when the Governor and his wife Lisa Araneta-Marcos have been actively and vigorously supporting the campaign of Gen. Albano, providing logistical support and even to the extent of joining the house-to-house campaign sortie of the General from Ermita Hill to City Hall last Friday, April 20th.

The Governor joined the General in walking along the streets of Laoag under the scorching midday summer sun, in an effort to reach out to the people.

The rumor may only be an attempt at disinformation from the beleaguered Fariñas camp. It appears now that governor Marcos is hell-bent on ending the Fariñas political dynasty in order to preserve the gains and progress achieved during his term.