Arcadio Dominado Sarmiento (ADS) was already the accomplished Archie Sarmiento even before the early 90's when he came back to Bohol to become the City Administrator of Tagbilaran, and later as a two-term Councilor; while simultaneously managing the Travellers Inn, the first tourist home-away-from-home before Bohol became the number one tourist destination.

This interview took place at D' Buzz last Wednesday, a day after my hectic schedule deprived me of an earlier opportunity to see him at McJack, which he manages. Seeing Archie after some months was a refreshing experience… he was, and still is, the soft-spoken gentleman whose coolness and confidence makes him very reachable. His is a confidence not wrought with arrogance, nor tinted with condescension, but an innate outcome of exposure to varied cultures all over the world.

For indeed, Archie Sarmiento has been to different countries of the globe, as a part of his responsibilities as National Director of the Bureau of Fibers Inspection and Development Office. For this job, he equipped himself with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree from UP-Los Baños and Araneta University, aside from being a Career Executive Service Officer at the DAP (Development Academy of the Philippines), and from another Master's degree in National Security Administration, that he got form Fort Bonifacio. He also had a study grant in Agricultural Development in Australia by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

For him politics in the Philippines is a way of life and, being an optimist, he believes improvement on it is still very feasible. He compared the leadership of the present and past administration, by focusing on the good points, a manifestation that his brand of public service transcends political colors.

LMP: Let me start with the latest incident, the bombing of the Batasan. What is your comment about it? Is it something that is terrorist-oriented, or politically motivated?
ADS: I think it is mainly political, but the one who did it is laing mga taw.

LMP: As far as you are concerned was it initiated by the administration or the opposition?
ADS: The administration cannot get anything from it. I would say that it would be the opposition. But not exactly the opposition, there would be a third party involved. Not the opposition perse. It's like they are trying to stir an outcry to disturb the administration.

LMP: I remember during the time of Marcos, there were some incidents which were reported to be initiated by the administration in order to support the declaration of Martial Law. Do you see the same scenario today?
ADS: No, I don't think so. The public will not tolerate it anymore. Unlike before, some of our neighboring countries are not so involved in the affairs of the individual countries.

LMP: So self-regulation.
ADS: Parang self-regulation. It is the decision of the people if they will go back to Martial Law.

LMP: So, you mean to say that there's a possibility that the administration will tell a lie because there are some people who will critique whatever is the outcome?
ADS: Yes. In fact the President has called the National Security Council inviting everyone to clarify matters.

LMP: Now, talking about the administration and the rise of the peso, do you see it as a very good sign? I attended a meeting at the Philippine Conference in Manila last month. There was a sector, which was negatively affected, especially the import-export sector. But generally speaking, would you consider the rise of the peso against the dollar as very advantageous?
ADS: I think we have to look at the fact where our economy is dependent so much. On local production ba or on importation?

LMP: In my observation there is not much production here.
ADS: Kaya nga. Even if local producers will import their raw materials, and the peso value is higher than the dollar, then it is really cheaper to import, unless the dollar value is so low, alkansi ta. Maybe we are dependent to 60% or 70% of the importation.

LMP: Another consideration would be the OFWs, the dollar remittances. Is this really something good for the Filipino? Because there are two sides of the coin.
ADS: I think these are excess money of the workers abroad. If you're out, you will see that people spend their money on basic goods.

LMP: Along that line, I talked to somebody who said that it is a Boholano custom to go abroad and send money and build a house. It seems as if the house is the trophy or their symbol of success. Would you share that same idea?
ADS: This is a good investment pod. Maybe they are thinking nga after retiring they can have something to go back to. A good house and a car for instance. We cannot blame them. What else are you going to do with the money?

LMP: You consider houses and cars as good investments?
ADS: Yes. Of course.

LMP: Do you believe that this so-called "brain drain" will go on for generations and that there is no way of stopping it as of now?
ADS: Here in ICM, many of your workers are college graduates. They have good jobs, but there are still some opportunities. If they go into business, they need money, they need capital. Their families from abroad will send money and start a business here. The dollar earnings would be a good advantage.

LMP: There's a misconception nga hayahay ang kinabuhi abroad which is not. Todo gyud ka ug kayod taman sa ginhawa.
ADS: I think travel agencies have faults, too. Congress should regulate these agencies.

LMP: You mean hatagan sila ug quota?
ADS: Yes. Because there is no control sa mga mo-abroad. Kana untang qualified mo-adto.

LMP: Most of these people who really go there are skilled laborers and those who are certified by TESDA. They must be good in order to compete. Now, would there come a time nga mahurot ang professionals sa Pilipinas kay tua na mgtrabaho in other countries?
ADS: Unless stagnant na ang state sa atong country, maybe that would happen.

LMP: Now, the acceptability of GMA is questioned most of the time. Sometimes it is negative, other times, it's positive. From your point of view, how is GMA to the eyes of the world.
ADS: I think it is not GMA. It's the government itself. GMA is a part of the government. If there's corruption, then it's the fault of the whole organization, the whole country.

LMP: Is it a negative perception? Do you believe in some statements of the people that hope is very slim in this corrupt country?
ADS: It's not only Filipinos who are corrupt. The foreigners are also here corrupting our country.

LMP: Are you one of those who believe that some people don't know how to practice democracy the way it should be practiced? With big responsibility?
ADS: The Philippines is one of the most corrupt. Even without GMA, that will always be there.

LMP: If you can make a comparison when you came here in Bohol from Manila in 1991, can you say that we have improved a lot?
ADS: There's a big improvement, especially in economics. I find Boholanos are really friendly, approachable and carefree. There are already street lights, the drainage system, improved na ang interior roads. A good indication of an improved city.

LMP: How about gambling? Is it a business that we cannot get rid of?
ADS: Gambling is a tool that precedes evil. So it's hopeless. But a little control for the young should be practiced.

LMP: It has become a passion. As long as there's hope nga maka jack pot, padayon gyud na.
ADS: But there must also be a way to generate income.

LMP: How do you compare the city administration now and before?
ADS: The former administration was very consultative, before making a big decision. The administration now has an aggressive approach. Both are very positive depending upon the circumstances.

In his travels abroad, he expressed special affection to the European cities. Paris, he said, had a unique charm, despite the people all the time speaking the French Language, even if they know English. He finds the Londoners, cold and disciplined gentlemen. Admiring Canberra, the capital of Australia, as a man-made city and therefore well-planned, he does not hide his dismay in viewing over-congested and unplanned cities which just sprout without any projection. He can recall the heart-rending mud houses of China before it opened all doors to foreign business. The cities of Germany evoke strength and prosperity. The catacombs of Rome, the eternal city of seven hills, reminds him of the early Christians being persecuted.

Geneva is peopled with warmth. Bangkok, Seoul, Singapore and other Asian cities are enjoying economic development, with Tokyo as the biggest spender. The cities of USA cannot compete with the historical significance of Europe. Athens still retains the glory of ancient times.

On a wall at the lobby of Travellers Inn is a framed display of coins of different denominations Archie Sarmiento has collected all over the world. Just for remembrance of past travels. "How is life now?" I asked. "Retired but not tired", he answered. And how would he wish to be remembered? "A common man with big dreams."