I have been using contact lenses instead of the usual eyeglasses for more than 15 years now. And during this period, my eyes were infected thrice. Since I do not have a regular optometrist, I was referred by my friend Dr. Tina Basilio to her eye doctor whose clinic is strategically located in front of the Nepo Mall in Angeles City (adjacent to Everybody’s Café). Dr. Carlomagno Torres immediately prescribed an eye dropper and a terrific ointment that made me see again in just a matter of two days. Salamat po, doc.
It’s good to see again! I could not imagine myself living without sight and I empathize with our brothers and sisters who cannot see the light. It would have been better if the blindness would plainly be physical; but when the mind, heart or conscience is blind, that would be a pathetic situation!
Admit it or not, we sometimes fail to see a wrong or just plainly ignore it and do nothing about it. It is worse than being physically blind.
For one, I see the “road widening” along McArthur Highway, especially from San Simon going to Apalit and the one in Tarlac City as a welcome development for motorists using the highway.
But what a pity. The widened road is now being used as parking lots by people without any discipline and care for the right of others to use the road. I see many owners of vulcanizing shops, stores, carinderia and even private residential houses rejoicing on the widening of the road. At least for now, they can use the paved road as part of their own businesses and properties. And our policemen and local officials turn a blind eye towards them.
Have you tried traveling along provincial roads? Yes, the view is great and magnanimous. But oftentimes, you cannot appreciate them anymore because of the tall grasses that prevent you from viewing the scenic mountains and rice fields. Worse, grasses sometimes eat up a portion of the highway that would deprive the full use of the roads. And barangay officials are all blind to these obstructions. This is the reason why I appreciate the periodical projects of the members of the Iglesia ni Kristo who extend their sense of volunteerism cleaning these obstructions. It’s also about time that barangay officials start their clean and green programs. SK officials can also initiate their own project to clear the roads of obstructions.
And have you noticed how many vehicles fall victims to the concrete barriers used to divide lanes on major roads? Check with the Traffic Management Offices of San Fernando, Mexico, Apalit, Calumpit and in Angeles. They have a never-ending list of road accidents involving those barriers. If really needed, why not use the ones they use in Baguio City and in Urdaneta City? They are made of plastic, red in color and half-filled with water. At least, the impact would not be as disastrous compared with solid and concrete barriers.
So many things are indeed open to the eyes; so many reasons to get disappointed. But I am still happy to have my eyesight again. In seeing things happening in the wrong direction, we can always complain. I hope those concerned, though remaining blind, may have the ears to listen.
