The Mayor of Manila – indefatigable Alfredo S. Lim – has just returned from Thailand where he spent an intensive four days visiting some projects of H.R.H., King Bhumibol Adulyadev, like the following: “monkey cheeks” retention ponds at the Shamchai-Mahachai Canal of Samutsakorn province; the vetiver grass project of the Huay Sai Royal Development Study Center at Cha-am district; Chao Phraya River management as well as the waste management plant of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

Mayor Lim personally selected the above because of their relevance to the problems of Manila. The Amb. of Thailand, H.E., Kulkumut Singhara Ayudhaya, accompanied the Mayor of Manila during this study tour and they had animated discussions on how salient aspects of the King’s projects can be applied locally.

The impressive ultra-modern network of skyways has successfully alleviated Bangkok traffic. Notably, there are only a few advertising tarpaulins on these structures. Moreover, Bangkok has retained a “garden city” look as all its 25 parks, main traffic islands, spaces under skyways are well-tended green areas bursting with flowers and decorative plants endemic to Thailand. Many of these botanical marvels are also found in the Philippines but are somewhat ignored.

The common denominator of Asian countries with progressive economies  is love of country which means that their movers and shakers have a sense of nation that compel them to uphold national interests. Most Thai leaders are guided by love of country like the Governor of Bangkok, M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, who was a former MP and concurrently head of the BMA; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Kasit Piromya, and the various project directors like Dr. Royol Chitadon, director of the Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute.

While Dr. Royol happily guided us around the “monkey cheeks” retention ponds, he proudly said that they themselves developed the appropriate technology so were never tempted to make huge investments in foreign contractors. The goverment did not have to pay for the land occupied by the retention ponds for the King’s project was explained to the communities in that area. Moreover, the water is also used for irrigation and aqua culture.

Needless to say, the King himself has set the standard for public service and love of country.

(gemma601@yahoo.com)