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I would like to take up three letters I got as feedback to Feedback They came in this order, from Luis A. Jular of Talisay, from Dr. Mariano Villarosa, former city councilor, and from another British friend Dave Duckett.

I take them up one by one. Jular strongly disagreed with me when, on the question of the buffer zone in the Canla-on National Park, I wrote the Bishop knows better and that “I know he is also for the benefit of the parishioners of the Bacolod Diocese.”

He challenged me to answer his question. “How do you know that?”

He ended his e-mailed letter to stop being a cheerleader for the Bishop and “start being a serious journalist.” I forwarded his letter to Bishop Vicente Navarra through Fr. Felix Pasquin and Fr. Mao Buenafe.

I was just courteous to the Bishop. But I whisper this to Fr. Pasquin and Fr. Mao, the Bishop's stand is unpopular because the coal-fired power proponents are using him. People prefer that we source our power from geothermal which is clean, renewable, and very much cheaper.

* * *

My friend, Dr. Villarosa's letter did not contain his stand but a narration of the history of the Bredco controversy that has been overplayed in media already.

What he asked for is we work to reconcile Bredco's Atty. Sammy Palanca with the city officials for a settlement. I said, who are we that they will listen to? Besides, I did not see a controversy. Both are playing their respective roles. Director? I don't know.

The issue is simple, politics and economics.

If you are a city official, perception is Bredco is your money bag. It may not be true but that is the perception. So, to correct that perception, you show to the world you are not afraid to run after Bredco and file a resolution for a takeover. See? You are a hero, fighting a moneyed giant.

If you are Bredco, this is what you want, court cases which will take years and years because all the processes will be followed.

But, they are and will still be friends. Sammy is a friend to all. His lead lawyer Renecito Novero, former vice-mayor is in the team of the complainants. So, Doc Mariano, what have we to reconcile. We will just be friends to all of them.

I just sympathize with Sammy. For all that he has done, he is made to appear as villain. Painful!

* * *

The third letter from Dave Duckett is four pages and ends with “Perhaps we are wasting our time trying to get our message across.”

Yes, Dave you do. My other British friends Neil Honeyman, Robert Harland or Ken Reader who is coming in March put in their messages quite briefly and therefore effectively. But I will summarize.

He is impressed by the new airport at Silay and added, “Sentiment rather than sense is why people want to hang on to the old airport.” Dave, sentiment is stronger than sense. Convenience, too.

He also said, what we need is more flights to where we want to go without passing by Cebu . Helicopter is more popular to tourists, he said.

Duckett complained going to the Bacolod airport sometimes took an hour with the traffic at Robinsons. He lives at Sta. Clara Executive Village . Silay is more accessible to them.

He complains of our terrible traffic. They used to live east of London and it would take them only an hour to reach Heathrow airport.

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He also suggested that beaches in the province be improved. There are beautiful beaches in northern and southern Negros , he said.

Tomorrow the Council of Past Presidents of NPC will go to Bomber Zayco's Punta Bulata beach in Cauayan, one of the most beautiful and improved beaches in the province.

We will be there for an overnight stay as a part of the program of CPP-NPC to promote tourist destinations in Negros .

These tourist destinations should know, they need media exposure. When our group goes, we will have a television coverage, too. But we go only on invitation.

Yes, Dave Duckett, we help promote tourism in Negros . And our primary target is the locals. Before we can convince foreigners to see our tourist spots, we first must appreciate it.

There are still many things Dave Duckett brought up. But I am giving his letter to Mayor Bing Leonardia.

* * *

My topic at Feedback tonight is BacoLaodiat with its officials as guests.

Bacolod will celebrate the Chinese New Year with a big bang called BacoLaodiat.*

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