Save Sumulong Park!

Got this message from my cousin in my FB inbox just now:

"Dear Sumulong Family,

I am one of the few from the clan who still lives in Antipolo City, the hometown of our ancestors. Throughout the centuries (even dating back to the Spanish era), our forefathers have excelled in the fields of politics and public service, making our name a credible and respectable one.

Arrogance aside, Antipolo City owes our family some of its key political developments such as its cityhood, national park, national highway, and public schools, to name a few. One of their efforts was to immortalize Lolo Juan (or more popularly known as Don Juan Sumulong) in Sumulong Park at the heart of the city. The gold-plated statue has been there ever since I could remember. So, it came as a shock to me one day when I was driving in front of Sumulong Park and to discover that they have torn down the park and enclosed Lolo Juan's statue in pieces of yero.

Apparently, Tito Vic's successor, Mayor Nilo Leyble, has decided to turn our beloved Sumulong Park into a multi-level parking area. Although this serves quite a practical purpose for tourists and businessmen alike, it has degraded and disregarded our family's service and legacy. It pains me every time I see it but I feel so helpless being a 24-year-old English teacher. I fear that I, alone, cannot stop inconsiderate step of the Antipolo City Government.

This is not only my cause but it is yours, too. For you don't only carry that eight-letter name with you but in your blood runs the same blood that has fired the political greatness of our ancestors such as Valentin Sumulong, Lolo Juan, Lolo Enchong, Lolo Komong, and Tito Vic to name a few.

Let us save Sumulong Park not only for our family's pride but also for our forefathers' legacy. This is not for us but this is for them. It's the least we can do to pay honor and respect to them.

Thank you for reading this. I hope there is something concrete and goal-oriented that we can do about this. Thank you!

Sincerely,
Jaclyn Sumulong Ledonio"

My civic and political consciousness was born here. It's not only a historic place for our family, but for the people of Antipolo and Rizal as well.

For those who want to help, send me a message at miatamommy@livejournal.com.