MISSING THE ACTION by: Kiko Ortelano

My ingkong is again mad at me!

Taksyapo mo Kiko! Mepagal ka ba inya pepainawa na kang susulat? Mepagal na ka ba king kasuyuan mu king lalawigan tamung Kapampangan?

Ali naman pu Ingkong. Kaya mu pu. . . . I replied but was immediately cut short.

Ena ka gagawa pang nanu man sangkan! Alang kayangganan dapat ing pamagobra para karing kalupa mung tau, lalu na karing kekang kabalen! Makananu kang makasimba balang aldo Domingo? Makananu kang makaharap king Apung Guinu? Alang kwenta ngan ita nung ali mu talakaran alang patugut ing kasuyuan karing tao!

I am really embarrassed.

When I think about what my Ingkong just told me, and then think about all the other leaders of KASAUP, I am more embarrassed.

What I just experienced is probably a picture of how the Kapampangan citizenry must be experiencing now. Laying thier guards down when Among Ed won the gubernatorial elections. Going back to ordinary business as if the fight was all over. Just turning a blind eye on what is actually happening not just in Pampanga, but the whole country. Avoiding involvement in anything other than personal matters.

Now I am more embarrassed.

The KASAUP leaders, specially the municipal coordinators are working so hard, they often have no more sufficient time for their personal matters including their source of livelihood. They sacrifice family times, rest periods, and sometimes, even risk their lives just so they can continue their participation in serving our Kabalens.

I do not know if people understands the absolute difficulties that KASAUP leaders face everyday. The struggles of organizing at the municipal and barangay levels and the requirement of educating their "constituencies." Add to this the endless meetings, coordinations with local leaders, the provincial leadership, the other civil society organizations, the church leaders, and the most difficult part of sourcing funds for all of these activities.

Now I am absolutely embarrassed!

A good number of people think that KASAUP is just a political arm of Among Ed.

I can not blame them. People see KASAUP mostly with Among Ed. This is because of the natural inequalities in media coverage. I am not blaming media. They can only cover so much.

KASAUP is not a political party and definitely not the political arm of the governor.

KASAUP is a people's organization that advocates Good Governance and Responsible Citizenship. Among Ed is not the be all and end all of KASAUP. KASAUP will continue its advocacies with or without Among Ed as Governor of Pampanga.

Undoubtedly, today, Among Ed is the best symbol of Good Governance for KASAUP. No matter what some people will say, specially the majority of traditional politicians, Among Ed have been a model of Good Governance. He is not perfect, but so is everybody else. Among Ed has shown grit in pursuing his advocacies. He has not wavered in delivering his campaign promises; no to graft and corruption, no to illegal gambling, no to partisan politics, deliver basic services to the poor, etc.

Fortunately, Among Ed is not alone. KAYA NATIN has identified a few more governors, mayors,and vice mayors that are planting the rare seeds of Good Governance in the country. Very few some may say. Not really. Before, there were a lot fewer.

I know all KASAUP members and officers are leaders in their own communities. I also know that all of them love their families so much. I also know that what they are doing for Pampanga in KASAUP is just part of loving their families. KASAUP wants a better Pampanga for the future of their children and their childrens' children.

Let KASAUP be the beacon that will keep the light shining for Pampanga for RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP!

LUID KA KASAUP!