BW Article - Doc Iggy Agbayani. A Hero, Protector, Community Leader. Time to step into his path to carry on what he started!

Outlining my concerns on succession and societal stability in the face of the unravelling. A message from Doc Iggy to his daughters and now to all of us!

Sharing here (and below) a tribute and memorial article here from my friend, economist Oplas. We were together at Doc Iggy’s wake on the weekend. There was more joy than tears as we bid Doc Agbayani farewell. His beautiful wife told us.. “there was so much we had planned to do. Please help me to do it”.

Dr. Agbayani was a hero in name and in person. He also served his community and was a fierce protector!

Bayani, short for Agbayani, is a boy's name with the captivating meaning of "hero." It can also refer to someone who volunteers in their community. With your wise words and warm heart to guide them, they'll undeniably grow to be a fierce protector of those they love.

So we are called to do the same! All you who hear, all you who know, we are beyond the time of standing by and doing nothing!

The article also goes on to discuss economic outfalls of the past 3 years, and the ongoing consequences.

The Fallout

So much of what us vilified "antivaxer conspiracy theorists" were concerned about is already coming to pass. What we were fearing was already bad enough, but it is far worse now seeing it playing out day by day. As day by day more people die, more people become ill, and more government controls and censorship come into play? Standing by is callous apathy at best!

I call on government and church leaders! You are needed! High level contingency planning is already needed. We need you to step up, to plan, to comfort and to assist, to maintain order as the unthinkable consequences of the past three years unravel at increasing speed.

I worry now that there are so many people sick and even dying that community, societal structures and stability may soon be at risk. Poor outcomes seem to be rapidly escalating and we don't know where this will lead; effective treatments have not yet been defined, let alone recognized as needed (will early treatment keep people well?), to extend both quality and quantity of life. There may be many orphans to care for as well (If DOH data is correct, the Philippines has about 31 million unvaccinated population, with more than 22 million of these being minors).

Government and churches will need to take care with succession planning, to ensure stability, supply chains, infrastructure in coming months and years. I cannot see this effectively happening on an individual basis, though leaders may emerge in various communities.

Let us each stand up and be the leaders who are needed! Salamat Dr. Iggy! I heed your call!

I leave you with a message from Dr. Iggy to his children. The message is being shared widely in our groups, and is now given to all of us.

13 RULES IN LIFE FOR MY DAUGHTERS THAT I LEARNED IN PRISON [by Iggy Agbayani]

1) Try to Always Resist what is wrong and evil and always do what is right and fair.

2) Believe in yourself and not rely solely on the opinion of others who do not know you as well as yourself or us your parents.

3) Know that your Mom loves you more than she loves herself and will always wish the best in life possible for you.

4) Papa will care and provide for you for as long as I am alive and able and you still wish it. I will strive to provide everything that you need to prepare you for a good life but not always with what you want or just your whims even if I could afford it.

5) Learn and practice contentment but let your dreams or ambitions guide you like the North star. It’s also only visible in a clear night.

6) Do not crave pleasure but enjoy it while it lasts. In the same vein do not crave to end or avoid pain and hardship because even these things make us strong and resilient.

7) Learn from your mistakes then move on then favor recalling the good memories and you will be happier.

8) Experience NOW or the present with focus and mindfulness. You may not have a second chance so drop that phone more often before life passes you by.

9) Nothing can predict the future and you cannot change your past. Life is full of surprises both good and bad but as the saying goes, these too shall pass.

So never commit suicide and enjoy the surprises to the very end.

10) In everything you do please do it with full awareness, mindfulness and focus. However do not be myopic (short sighted) and don’t think that what we do or not do today will have no consequences to you or our world in the future.

11) Try to be kind and courteous as much as possible (DBR) but do not suffer the negativity or foolishness of others and best to avoid them at all cost.

12) Let others know you are fully capable of fighting back. So strive to be a graceful and strong lady when you grow up or grow old. But a good sense of humor, wit and a little humility will help for sure!

13) Papa Iggy will always love you even if we don’t see each other often.