BTC Chief Vergara clarifies issues on an Enchanting Baguio Christmas Part 2

December 16, 2019 Metro BLISTT

We all realize that putting together An Enchanting Baguio Christmas is hardly a breezy walk, given the usual challenges along the way — the magnitude of the task, the scale of aspirations sought to be achieved, the scarcity of time and resources at our disposal.

Hard work, focused determination, and yes, self-sacrifice were invested voluntarily to make it happen, often times by self-abnegation. For reasons of public transparency and accountability, we are making public a detailed accounting and auditing report of the funds used to make the Christmas celebration happen.

Let it be noted though that government funds were shoe-string at the very start and the BTC had to source out added funds through meritorious sponsorships to get the huge project going.

Yes, at day’s end — and this is by early January — we are reporting an independent audit of money earned from sponsors and money spent for necessary expenses. Not now, dear bashers, while we’re not even halfway through with the various events that fill up the Christmas calendar.

Couldn’t we all wait until after every activity, every event, every program has run its normal course? This task we will do, as a matter of public responsibility. That we will do, regardless of those who now demand for it from an incredibly self-righteous assertion of a blood-thirsty watchdogs.

It is our well-considered position that the Christmas Fair now going on at the Rose Garden is not a trade fair, contrary to those who seem to equate the activity with those that have been conducted merrily, with the sunshine spread out cheerfully.

First and foremost, any selling done in the premises is merely incidental, meant simply to complement the ambiance of an enchanting Christmas setting sought to be simulated. The principal aim is not to make anyone profiteer from its use, but overall, to make the Rose Garden an enchanting place of fun, fellowship, amusement, and family-oriented activities.

The chalets were built from sponsors’ partnership proceeds and were provided to interested participants as exhibition and marketing outlets for strictly curated and carefully selected products that exude the Christmas exuberant atmosphere. Absolutely no rental charges were imposed. To the last exhibitor (except for one whose undertaking we withdrew due to unshared objective), there is collective fulfillment that something valuable is being shared.

Perhaps carried away by the happy ambiance, some outlets even went overboard and sold beer and mixed beverages. This was stopped when reported to us right on the second day, precisely because it transgressed the anti-liquor city ordinances. We have since added police visibility in the area purposely to make sure this is complied with.

We deplore the surging crab mentality in our midst and appeal for sobriety amid the festive environment. Let us avoid dampening the Christmas spirit so painstakingly built by dint of hard, honest work solely focused in giving our people a Christmas celebration worth gifting to the Christ Jesus. If there are issues to be threshed out, surely these can be talked about in good faith as well-meaning partners, which all of us are. (Ang lahat ng bagay ay napag-uusapan ng tapatan bilang mga kaibigan. All it takes is a cup of coffee.)

The goal is simple: make our Christmas celebration enchanting enough to inspire a community of kindred souls aching to do our shared roles the best we can. We must stress that the world we live in day-by-day is big enough for the Christmas spirit to immerse all of us, heart and soul, towards a desired noble goal.

We believe that Baguio is now on the very threshold to be a better city. This will happen when we’re standing by each other’s back, serving shoulder-to-shoulder, striving, aspiring, and winning as one. Ahead, the task remains to be done. A little appreciation, said from a simple Thank You, is enough comfort for us. Merry Christmas to one and all!