Mayor, before addressing problems, address us first

I’M A Filipino-Canadian. I’m from Tacloban in the Philippines, but I live in Vancouver.

After the Brussels terrorist attack, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a televised statement condemning the deplorable attack, and declared that Canada would stand by Belgium. Less than 24 hours after the beheading of John Ridsdel, a Canadian citizen, by the Abu Sayyaf in the Philippines, the prime minister appeared on TV condemning without reservation the brutality of the hostage-takers. He assured Canadians that his government’s priority is the safety and security of its citizens and it is doing everything for the safe release of the other Canadian hostage. Less than 24 hours after the fire in Fort McMurray, recorded as the biggest fire evacuation in the history of Alberta province, he appeared on TV assuring Albertans that the federal government would support the province and help rebuild the city.

Here’s a leader of a nation who communicates with its people. Something lacking in President Aquino’s administration. As father of the nation, Mr. Aquino snubbed the Supertyphoon “Yolanda” victims on its first anniversary, didn’t give honor to the “Fallen 44” police commandos when their bodies arrived in Manila, didn’t fly to Kidapawan to console the hungry farmers protesting for food…  I could cite more incidents where he demonstrated insensitivity; where his silence screamed and was deafening. As observed by many, there was a “huge disconnect” between government and people during his term.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will be president soon.

Mayor Duterte, please talk to us. We may not agree with you all the time, but we want to hear you speak to us. Please take care of our people’s feelings—give us hope and assurance, lift us up when we are at our lowest, call us to unity when needed. Before you address a problem technically, please address us personally first. We feel we have been abandoned for so long, please regather us as your children.  Let’s start a new Philippines together.

—ERLINDA DOLLY TAN, Vancouver City, Canada