Ang Pagkakilala Ko Kay Chavit Singson

Ni Oggie Medina

SI Manong Chavit, o Luis C. Singson, ay kamag-anak ko by affinity. Ang asawa ng auntie ko ay isang Singson, si Ramon Singson Lim ng Cagayan (nag-aral sa Ateneo de Manila University at dating empleyado ng BSP). Naging boss ko sa PCSO ang kapatid ni Manong Chavit, si Maria Livia “Honeygirl” Singson de Leon at madalas ako isama tuwing weekend sa Vigan at doon ako natutulog sa bahay ni Tita Honeygirl. Kaya sa Vigan ko rin madalas makita sina Bongbong Marcos at Louise Araneta-Marcos, ngayo’y pangulo at unang ginang na.

Una kong nakilala si Manong Chavit dahil kay beauty queen Star Singson Querubin. Dinala nila ako sa Vigan at nagtungo kami sa bahay ng mga Medina.

Noong Mayo 2001 ay ininterbyu ko si Manong Chavit sa isang beach resort sa Sinait. Tinanong ko siya kung mahilig talaga siyang pumunta sa mga beaches: “Yes, I like to see the sea, the mountains. I am a nature lover. I like outings at the beach. I also go hunting deer or wild boar even abroad.”

Ang sumunod na interview ko sa kanya ay noong Disyembre 2001 sa isang hotel sa Manila. Tinanong ko siya hinggil sa kanyang ama, si Maestro Seling na naging mayor ng Vigan: “His political career can be best remembered for the stable and dependable leadership he provided during some of the most difficult and turbulent times of Ilocos Sur. During and after his incumbency, he was loved and revered by his constituents… He was selfless and considerate in his dealings with friends and enemies alike. He would gladly give his proverbial ‘last shirt’ to anyone in need.”

Naging tinig siya ng mga taga-probinsiya at naniniwala siya na ang bawat probinsiya ay maging isang “positive contributor to the national wealth and well-being (and not a burden to the rest of the country), must be given full attention and focus to see to it that its potentials and riches are explored but safe-guarded for the benefit of every Filipino, and must serve as an essential part of the engine that will propel the country toward economic growth, among others.”