The deputy chief of Mission came to visit

The otherwise sleepy barangay of Gasac, Balamban, Cebu sprung to life. The new Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) of the US Embassy in Manila, Mr. John C. Law, was coming to visit. The children were on a semestral break and no one would be there to listen to him read a story. What to do? I frantically called the town mayor, Ace Binghay who told me not to worry. He called for a meeting with the Barangay Captain, the Principal and the Chairman of the School Governing Council. A small crisis was on hand and it will take a village to solve it. The council members went from house to house to "mobilize the troops". Mayor Binghay and his team said they were in full control.

Everybody was busy as a bee, making sure that the DCM would have a hearty welcome. What are his food preferences? What will they place on the welcome tarp? Can I send them his picture? Would he be pleased to be welcomed by the local band? How will they organize the program? How should he be addressed? I told them that the DCM would only stay for an hour. So take out the numerous welcome remarks, save the dances and songs for a later date, and forget the lunch.

Vicky, our Program Officer was twice as excited. She wanted to show the DCM the flower garden which the barangay captain hopes to put up in every "purok". She even wanted to go to the school three days before to interview the children. I had to restrain her enthusiasm and calmed her fears. But, with her in tow, our USAID Project Management Specialist, Monica Ang , went to Gaas Elementary School, one day before to simulate the activities. Nothing should go wrong. The DCM was coming!

The school was buzzing with activity at 7:00 a.m. Everything must be spic and span. There were colorful flaglets along the footpath which were bedecked with flowers. Parents volunteered to sweep the school yard. Plastic chairs were arranged in the room where the DCM would conduct the story telling. Teachers came scurrying with trays full of cups and glasses.

I reckoned from their different shapes and colors that they were borrowed from different households in the neighborhood. A smartly dressed teacher was rushing to and fro carrying gallons of water for the bathroom. But the smartest of them all was the teacher who would serve as Master of Ceremonies. She came in her finest with matching shoes in gold.

The principal tested if the electric fans would work. The barangay captain came rushing with his retinue who were all smartly wearing their uniforms. Since the school was located down a small hill, Kap. William saw to it that steps were carved along the path and were hastily cemented. Nothing but the best for the DCM.

Since Vicky over-estimated the travel time to Balamban, the DCM and his wife, Mrs. Jody Law came earlier than expected. The excitement was palpable as children waved their flaglets and chorused "welcome and good morning". At first, the teachers and parents felt a bit shy to talk to him.

But he had such a friendly smile and looked so unassuming. In no time at all, the people warmed up to him and posed for selfies. They offered him a drink made from a concoction of herbs, citrus fruits and ginger. I have seen a lot of balikbayans refuse homemade juice for fear of getting sick. But not this DCM. He appreciated everything that was offered including "suman" with native chocolate, and “pancit". His wife was equally gracious.

The Vice Mayor came rushing and explained that the Mayor was coming. He was not late. The DCM came too early. We were feeling awkward but the DCM came to our rescue. He conversed with the children animatedly and showed where he is from using the map in the classroom. He told them his Mom was a teacher and that he grew to be an engineer designing airplanes.

The children's eyes grew bigger with wonder! And when prodded to recite a poem, he said he was more comfortable in singing. Together with his wife, they sang "twinkle, twinkle, little star" and followed it with a "row, row, row, your boat." Mrs. Law, suggested that they do a "round song" and instructed the children on how it is done. "When shall the singing end?" the DCM laughingly asked.

Then, the Mayor came profuse with apologies. The DCM made him feel at ease. He listened intently as Mayor Ace described Balamban. This DCM knows how to listen. He read the story with his wife to the children and even dramatized how the story ended.

It was a day of excitement. It was a day of learning too on how to be humble, gracious, amiable, and to have genuine fun. And we had the DCM as the teacher.

mguevara@synergeia.org.ph