The Ilonggo “Philanthropist” Under the Bridge

The Ilonggo “Philanthropist” Under the Bridge
(By DinggolAranetaDivinagracia -IlonggoNationMovement)

Prologue: "A Lebanese-American Writer, Poet, and a low-profile Philosopher once said:

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”—Khalil Gibran (1883-1931).

It is in this context that I describe the inherent traits and personal character of my intimate friend Lando Layson.” –dinggol.d ~~~

 The Laysons of Fundidor in Molo:

When Ilonggos hear people mention “Layson” --what first come to mind is “Fundidor” meaning foundry, where a top reliable foundry shop was established by the progenitor of the Layson family centuries ago. The first Layson was the son of “Lai” which means “depend on, trust in, rely on”. He was one of the many Chinese who fled Amoy, ancient name for Xiamen at the Fujian province in Southern China during the reign of the despotic Qing dynasty in the 18th century. He arrived in Maynilad and later decided to join others who sailed farther south and landed at the port of Batiano river to settle permanently in “Parian” now Molo near La Villa Rica de Arevalo in Iloilo City, Philippines.

The “Layson” trade mark on quality steel and iron works, such as; the durable church bells, the heavy duty cauldrons of different sizes, the traditional (plow) and modern farm and agricultural implements, the steel storm window panes, door frames, etc. is still being done even today with precision by some of their descendants, mostly the family of Don “Budol” Layson.

Don Jose “Pepe” Layson

In recent years, an enterprising and resourceful family member, the most amiable and generous regular guy -- Jose “Pepe” Layson ventured and expanded into stevedore, port and general allied services, construction, infrastructure projects, among his many business endeavors. The whole operation that he personally over-see and managed together with his trusted nephews, nieces and later with his young kids proved to be extremely successful.

Thus, when Don Jose “Pepe” Layson joined his Creator, he left an indelible mark in Iloilo City society as an outstanding Ilonggo for his Philanthropic generosity, his religious, socio-civic-economic activities as well as his business integrity and unquestionable personal honesty.

Don Rolando “Lando” Layson

My amigo Don Rolando Layson also belong to this illustrious Layson clan, whose family name, many say is synonymous to Fundidor, the foundry area in the district of Molo, Iloilo City.

He was my contemporary during our many years in service to the worlds largest service Club organization, the “Lions International” whose motto is “We Serve”. Lions International has thousands of clubs in 206 countries with over 1.4 million membership today. In Panay Island alone there are 18 different Lions Clubs. Lando and I as President of our own respective Lions Club in the City of Iloilo decades ago, were both able to achieve the very elusive 100% Presidents Award, a rare feat for an excellent leadership performance and outstanding community service.

However, brother Lion Lando Layson went even much farther up. For his sincere dedication and his exemplary loyalty to the Club, he was duly elected as District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 301-B1 (Visayas) and earned the founder’s Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.

Iloilo City Rapid Growth Begins

During the first decade of the new millennium, Iloilo City political leaders; Cong. Jerry Perez Treñas; City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Vice-Mayor Joe III Espinosa banded and decided to “put their acts” together under the guidance of Ilonggo Senate President Hon. Franklin M. Drilon and with the blessings of Malacañang. With full support of the Iloilo City business community and cooperation from the general public, La muy Leal y Noble Ciudad de Iloilo began to bloom and rapidly transformed into a Megapolis.

One of the first visible project was the dredging and clean-up of the Iloilo River and construction along its riverbanks of the Iloilo City Esplanade-I (Promenade). This new boulevard starts from the Carpenters Bridge (connects Molo-Mandurriao area) all the way to Downtown Iloilo City Proper.

Coffee Shop and HLPA Office under the bridge

The filthy vacant lot area under the new P78 million concrete Carpenter’s bridge served as shelter to Lando Layson, and others when it rains while having their regular early morning exercises and strolling along the Promenade Park. Later, Lando formally asked permission from proper government agencies to allow him clean, improve, develop, and maintain on his own initiative and resources all the area that included the pathways, the riversides and it’s environs.

When the request was granted, my amigo Don Rolando Layson organized the Healthy Lifestyle Partnership Association (HLPA) in December 2009 with only 15 initial active members. HLPA has no entrance fee to its growing membership, but only a personal commitment by its members to regularly exercise and to frequent the area to help maintain it safe and eco-friendly.

Lando Layson on his own accord supplied 20 big trash bins and constructed two clean makeshift toilets near the bridge “free” for public use. He even hired utility personnel to serve and monitor the surroundings.

Likewise, he opened the self-service Coffee Shop under the bridge for HLPA members to rest during break time and for their regular patrons, friends, and their guests.

The Healthy Lifestyle Partnership Association (HLPA) -- founded and personally funded by Don Rolando “Lando” Layson since December 8, 2009 in Iloilo City, offers to the general public; Blood Pressure (BP) Check-up, Weight Check and Blood Sugar Test all for free or “Gratis et Amore”. With voluntary services rendered by devoted HLPA members at the Esplanade, a favorite tourist destination in the City, our local Tourism industry, certainly is given a shot in the arm.

In photo are devoted volunteers- members of Healthy Lifestyle Partnership (HLPA) Association in action!

Recording test results for future reference.

People in line eagerly awaiting their turn to undergo brief check-ups.

Posing for posterity with my friend Lando Layson during a brief encounter “under the bridge” together with his staff members.

Officers of Healthy Lifestyle Partnership Association (HLPA) founded by Don Rolando “Lando” Layson are as follows:

President - Rolando “Lando” Layson

Vice-President- Catherine Jusayan

Secretary - Lynie Rose Tinguban

Asst. Secretary - Rose Chiang

Treasurer - Lina Celis

Instructors: Jeffrey Tan, Willie Padaca, Mypen Espanolla

Custodians: Jose Ramos, Elsa Ravena

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog was so impressed with his close friend Lando Layson’s advocacy, that he appointed him unceremoniously as the “Iloilo River Overseer”.

While the local media dubbed him as “Iloilo River Czar” and “Ambassador of River Development” because of his utmost generosity and sincere commitment to personally maintain the Iloilo Esplanade (Promenade) and keep Iloilo River clean, and preserve the eco- friendly environment in this part of the City of Smiles.

It would also be fair to add, that my amigo and brother Lion Lando Layson was greatly instrumental for several poor but deserving young students to achieve their dream becoming career professionals. This is made possible thru Don Lando Layson continuing Scholarship Program.

And by the way, amigo Lando is also a sports enthusiast by sponsoring Sports Tournaments and an avid cockfighting aficionado who won as “Solo Champion” during Candelaria Fiesta 7-Cock International Derby in Jaro (Iloilo) Coliseum some years ago.

Epilogue: “Bidding farewell to amigo & brother Lion Don Rolando “Lando” Layson --the Ilonggo Philanthropist under the bridge and looking forward of seeing him again. God willing! “ --dinggolSDname~~~

Photo with the lovely Ms. Mary Jean Layson-Sales (RN) -- the daughter of Don Rolando “Lando” and Teresita “Chit” Layson of Fundidor, Molo in Iloilo City.

Photo taken in San Diego, CA. while attending her best friend Golden Year Birthday Party.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ oo0oo ~~~~~~~~~~~~