Dreams in the making
I love my work on the Pasig River. What fills my heart is making a difference. I get a big kick from seeing people’s lives improve. I like smiles on people’s faces. I particularly like it when they commit to leading good lives. I go to the esteros regularly. The experience of transformation is priceless. It’s dreams in the making. Nothing could be better. It’s seeing life unfold.
Some dreams and aspirations are personal. They require personal commitment, determination and a positive approach to obstacles. Some dreams/aspirations are in the social dimension of life. They need most of the capabilities essential for making personal dreams come true. But they invariably need like-minded, like-hearted people working together. The Pasig River is one such dream.
This is not sipsip — as a matter of principle I don’t speak or write anything which is not true. I have amazing partners at all levels, including the national government. P-Noy’s administration has really taken this on. I am so heartened. There is no way the esteros can be clean without good national government partners. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino and General Manager Cora Jimenez have been awesome. The National Housing Authority — what can I say? Without relocation, this dream just won’t happen. Atty. Chito Cruz and his team have stepped up to the plate with aplomb. The LGUs — Quezon City, Manila — that’s where we are now: they have been great making it easy for our contractors to take away the sludge, helping with solid waste management. I love the DPWH people. They are doing some of the esteros, and every time I meet them, there is the same heart connection. They are definitely in the dream. The private sector, as well: I won’t be able to mention all the names, so let me just say we have a great country with great people.
Working at the helm of a government agency has been an experience for me particularly because I have an aversion to bureaucracy. So I have learned and am learning how to navigate the rules and regulations and still manage to make things happen. I have an A team at Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, headed by Ronald Naguit who has had military training. In many meetings I tell them: only God can clean the Pasig River. And the only way the Divine will help us is if we keep scrupulously honest. So in PRRC I want zero corruptIon. I feel the same way actually about all my projects — about life, too. If we keep clean, Divine forces will use the institutions we are a part of as vessels, and conduits for their energies. It is my profound experience.
Equal mention must be given to the River Warriors, and the military. Dreams in the making are all about transformation, inside and out. I literally feel joy surfacing whenever I deal with the community. From me to them, them to me, and from us to all around. As I like to mention at the end of many of my articles: we have this life. We make it happen. We make dreams come true.
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I would like to invite the public to come and run for the Pasig River on Sunday, Oct. 6. It’s a New Moon. (It’s good feng shui.) It’s when the energies are on the upswing. It’s a good time to start something new — and a good time to run for the Pasig River. Previously our runs were targeted for the Full Moon. This year is our first run during the New Moon. From darkness we bring on the light. Because it is also ABS-CBN’s 60th anniversary, there are added bonuses to joining the run. On Oct. 5 (Saturday) Showtime, Star Cinema movies and an OPM concert will be in the Quezon City Circle. First preference will be given to those with bibs. After the run, there will be a mini show with ABS-CBN stars. For two days there will be a bazaar at the Quezon City Circle.
Join the run. Sign up and get your race packets from our retail outlets in SM North Edsa, SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia. Race bibs are also available at selected Chris Sports branches. Registration fee is P300 while students get a discounted rate at P150. For more information, visit www.onerunonephilippines.com or call 415-2272 local 3797 or 3743.
Let’s make dreams happen together. It will leave a wave of positive energy that will extend way into the future.
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Check out this video of Pasong Tamo and San Francisco Creeks. Search “Pasong Tamo Creek and San Francisco Creek†on YouTube or go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oYQmJ4Fh0M&feature=youtube.
I can be reached at regina_lopez@abs-cbn.com.
