I see so much green areas and unpaved roads. I see shanties, bahay kubos on each stop. Rural areas, not surprising. My first travel to Shariff Aguak was as tiring as every long rides are. I am about to partake on a distant work, out of town mis-adventure/experience. Just never thought that it'll be in Maguindanao.
President Estrada stepped down from office, and Vice President Arroyo took over. The shock of September 11 terrorist attacks on US soil were still afresh. Around 2002, I was led to work for an architectural firm, for a group of building contractors. I am about to be assigned on field for the construction of a Provincial Capitol somewhere in Maguindanao. I heard all about it months before. They badly needed some junior staff and draftsmen to handle and supervise the construction. Our office, made up of three licensed Architects, are apparently commissioned as subcontractors to gear up the construction of this massive three-storey government building. Talks went on, until that time came when I agreed to go. They already got one of my pals assigned way before me. They were more than happy to welcome me aboard.
With skull-guard and cheap long-sleeve work shirt, like a chess piece pawn, I worked for the town, and the boss. I don't know how much I helped build it. The construction started way before I arrived and it was pretty much done when I was reassigned somewhere else in Cotabato City.
President Estrada stepped down from office, and Vice President Arroyo took over. The shock of September 11 terrorist attacks on US soil were still afresh. Around 2002, I was led to work for an architectural firm, for a group of building contractors. I am about to be assigned on field for the construction of a Provincial Capitol somewhere in Maguindanao. I heard all about it months before. They badly needed some junior staff and draftsmen to handle and supervise the construction. Our office, made up of three licensed Architects, are apparently commissioned as subcontractors to gear up the construction of this massive three-storey government building. Talks went on, until that time came when I agreed to go. They already got one of my pals assigned way before me. They were more than happy to welcome me aboard.
With skull-guard and cheap long-sleeve work shirt, like a chess piece pawn, I worked for the town, and the boss. I don't know how much I helped build it. The construction started way before I arrived and it was pretty much done when I was reassigned somewhere else in Cotabato City.
My unfinished thesis for a government center hung on. I lost
interest. But it had a profound impact on me. But I was just a draftsperson, a staff member, a site worker. I understand that not every situation is the same. At that staff level, there wasn't a great deal I personally could have done, although I felt horrible when I heard about the fighting that happened near us. And not long after I gave up working for that group, the massacre happened. Two buildings now sit on the site. The capitol and the gym. I heard that only the soldiers occupy and use them. Shameful or what, I don't know...
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