As reported earlier by Evil Bill Bilig, Gloria mentioned three of our kailiyans during her State of the Nation Address (SONA). They are Mt. Province Governor Maximo Dalog, Warren Ambat and Hester Umayam. Of course, she mentioned many other politicians (55 according to Newsbreak) and several other private individuals.

What’s up with all that name dropping? We think it is her attempt to maintain those politicians’ favor. She also mentioned the names of private persons who have achieved something (won awards, etc.) in order to appropriate their achievements and to make us believe that these people are winners because of Gloria.

Anyways, let’s look at what Gloria said in relation to the Cordilleras. First, here’s where she mentioned our roads (Halsema and the Tabuk-Tinglayan road) and where she gave a shout out to Governor Dalog:

Halsema Highway from Mount Data to Bontoc and the Tabuk-Tinglayan Road are being built. If you look the chart, there is something incomplete in between.

So that the Cordillera LGUs can build more of their much-needed roads, I ask Congress to require companies to pay directly to the LGUs their share of the natural wealth. I hope, Governor Dalog hears that.

I went like, “Dude, what’s up with that Dalog shout out?” It was totally random. We know of course that Dalog heads (or maybe used to head) the Regional Development Council but Gloria was talking about a legislative matter which should be directed to the region’s Representatives in Congress.

So, as I was saying, it was a totally random mention. But I’m sure Governor Dalog in Bontoc was so pleased and went, “Wow. I was mentioned in the SONA. I will stick with Gloria forever and ever and be her rah rah boy.” [Our unsolicited advice to the Governor: “Max, don’t be such a cheapo. Just because she mentioned you in a SONA doesn’t mean you become a rah rah boy like Morris. Besides she mentioned tons of other politicians so it’s nothing special. It comes cheaper by the dozen, you know.”]

Anyway, let’s move on to other things. This is where Gloria mentioned Warren Ambat:

IT (information technology) ability won for Warren Ambat of Baguio City High the most innovative teacher and leadership award in Cambodia last February, topping contestants from 70 countries, congratulations to our contestants, women.

And this is where she mentioned Hester Umayam:

Six Filipinos bagged the awards at the Intel Young Scientists Competition in New Mexico last May: Ivy Ventura, Mara Villaverde, Hester Mana Umayam and Janine Santiago of Philippine Science High; Melvin Barroa of Capiz National High, congratulations, Melvin; and Luigi John Suarez of Benedicto National High.

We are happy of course that our kailiyans got the attention of the President and were mentioned in a SONA no less. But as we said earlier, this is Gloria’s attempt to make us believe that the achievements of the people she mentioned are her achievements.

It is the oldest trick in the book of public relations: If you have a very bad image, co-opt the achievements of others and associate yourself with people who have a good image.

You wonder why Gloria keeps on having her pictures taken with Manny Pacquiao? Because she believes that our positive opinion of Pacquaio will rub off on her and that we will likewise view her positively. It’s called gaining a positive image by association. This is what she is trying to do in her speech. Also, by mentioning the names of Filipino achievers she would make it appear that their achievements are because of her.

Anyway, we believe that the achievements of our kailiyans are testaments to their personal abilities and NOT because of Gloria and her ilk. We are not even sure if she lifted a hand to help these people achieve what they have achieved.

Pahabol about Pacquiao. Pustahan tayo, if Pacquiao will lose in his coming bout, Gloria will run away from him before you can say, “Darn, JK Rowling killed my favorite character!” Wanna bet?

RELATED POSTS: Gloria Lastog; SONA 2007: Gloria Lastog II.