TALAKAG'S LARGEST GATHERING THIS YEAR TO DATE.

On the afternoon of Saturday the 26th December I had the privilege of attending a party held at the farm premises of Mr Jess Paras the prospective Congress candidate for Bukidnon District 1.

The party was a seasonal treat for the residents of Talakag and surrounding Towns and Barrios comprising District 1, as well as an opportunity for Jess Paras to celebrate his birthday with his family and friends amongst whom were his former classmates at Xavier University Class of 1971. The Paras farm is located near the Barrio of Dagumbaan in a beautiful area on the Talakag plateau with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Jess Paras and Jim Cunningham

I felt very honoured to be amongst the real Bukidnons both Christian, Moslem and Traditionalists and enjoyed tremendously the hospitality of the Paras family extended to Marilou and I during our visit. For those of you reading this Jess Paras is an agriculturist who has held many government posts in the various agencies connected with agriculture in Bukidnon as well as nationwide, besides developing his own farm. An entrepreneur Jess Paras has owned and managed many businesses in Cagayan de Oro and currently owns and operates a Seacat ferry service between Cagayan de Oro and the islands of Camiguin and Bohol.

What has interested me recently about Jess Paras is his initiative to provide a vocational opportunity at his cost for young men and women of District 1 to enable them to acquire skills that will make them employable and give them the chance to find work and perhaps the platform for future personal development. Two of my nephews joined this programme and are thoroughly enjoying the experience so I know first hand that it is working.
Also attending the function was Mrs Fely Imperio (formerly Abello) who was one of the two first children to be cared for by Louise Lynip when she originally founded Bethany Christian Home for Children. Fely spoke to the gathering in the local Bukidnon dialect and endorsed Jess Paras’ decision to run for congress. Fely’s first husband was a former Mayor of Talakag so she knows a thing or two about local politics.

Fely and Jess Paras

Although I myself am strictly only an observer as far a politics go being a foreigner, I had to admit that I was in the presence of a very popular and respected person in the form of Jess Paras. I wish him every success in his attempt to obtain a seat in Congress in the forthcoming elections in 2010.

It would be unkind of me when writing this blog if I fail to mention the tremendous effort of Mrs Nena Paras and her son for organising such a successful event thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.