MISSING THE ACTION by: Kiko Ortelano

Et Tu KASAUP?

2007 was a monumental election year for Pampanga. The miracle of the neophyte "political" priest made sure it was monumental.

A lot of Kapampangans were swept by the euphoria of the miracle win by the priest "on leave."

Unfortunately, a lot of these Kabalens did not sustain this enthusiasm. A lot of them just faded away after the election. A good number, however, saw this as an opportunity to effect continuous changes in the political landscape. A few "civil society" groups prospered.

Sadly, the remaining very few groups today are top heavy. They really do not have the mass base that is required to make the groups really meaningful to the majority of our Kabalens.

This is also a continuing challenge for KASAUP.

It is, admittedly, very difficult to maintain cohesive people's organizations. This is the very reason why KASAUP has been working hard to ensure that the voices of its members from the purok and barangay levels as represented by their municipal coordinators are clearly heard. KASAUP may not have the very noisy, publicity hungry big personalities of Pampanga, but its core are loyal to their advocacies and they really have the numbers.

The bigger challenge however is to maintain its posture in regard to good governance. KASAUP is finding it very difficult to influence local politicians to its advocacy. We may hear these politicians publicly echoing the advocacies of KASAUP, yet most of the times, these are all just but rethorics on their part. It is what their leaders and backers say that matters, not the what the people really must have in accordance to good governance. Traditional politicians are really the tragedy of our times.

This is not to say that KASAUP is getting what it sees fit from the provincial government. Kasaup have been very supportive of Among Ed and the latter have reciprocated the efforts of the former in terms of advocacy congruence. However, this reciprocity is limited only to the governor. This reciprocity is not observed by others in Among Ed's capitol team.

Let us make this clear. KASAUP officers and members have been working on its advocacies without any personal motives behind it. KASAUP has been consistent in offering their time, effort, expertise, and even personal resources in working with Among Ed espouse the advocacy of good governance. KASAUP does not expect anything personal in return.

KASAUP expect the best services by the capitol to our Kabalens. KASAUP is doing its part. KASAUP is hoping that Among Ed and his whole capitol team does the same.

LUID KA!