BY REX C. CATUBIG
Going Xi Fa Cai! yehaa! Year of the Fire Horse (2nd of 2 parts)
The path of history, of evolving societal and political structure, does not follow a straight line. And curveballs are thrown along the way. The same is true in Dagupan’s political arena.
Upheavals and unforeseen events, reversal of fortune, and other social vagaries have torn the fabric of order and ushered in chaos and confusion in Dagupan City’s bid for worthy leadership, particularly from the ascendant Chinese ranks.
The Chinese community has been split into opposing camps. And the premium on loyalty on either side became the weapon of war. It’s either you belong or do not. You’re on this side or the other. There is no fence sitting.
It is disconcerting that even if the previous year of the Wood Snake held the promise to shed the old skin and come clean, reinforcing the ideal of growth, evolution, transformation and the endless coil of prosperity, the devastating elections results the previous year between the rival parties, left a venomous bite that exacerbated old wounds that did not get the chance to heal, and merely resulted in bleeding scabs.
It is anybody’s guess how this impregnable animosity between these political clusters will play out in the long run. Meantime, it is the stuff for feng shui divination and we can only hope that it stays manageable till the next showdown—to give the City a break
It is apropos that the Chinese New Year of 2026, is symbolized by the Fire Horse. Under its reign, we can hope for a speedy recovery: a break free from debilitating inertia, status quo of conflicts and rivalry. “Horses represent strength, freedom, and spirited perseverance, and the element of fire magnifies these qualities, igniting their brilliance to new heights”
Happily, cultural bond proves stronger than the vagaries of politics. We salute the Dagupan Chinese community and their leaders, for their show of force and unity by gathering the various organizations, and rallying the joint celebration with the city of the Chinese New Year and Friendship Day, creating awareness of what we are, what we have been, what we could be.
In the year of the Fire Horse, we embrace the ideals of team race towards greater solidarity that surmounts obstacles and leads to the finish line of progress and prosperity.
Gong Xi Fa Cai! Mabuhay!