Capitol's gesture on SRP: A laudable act

At the height of the Basilica’s and the City Hall’s preparation for the religious observance and festivities of the Sinulog, respectively, the annual debates as to its commercialization among devotees, the faithful and the more pragmatic citizens have again took the spotlight. It was so intense that we thought that during and after the celebrations, animosities between the faithful and the festival organizers shall certainly pervade. However, contrary to our expectations, the issue ended as the religious activities solemnly brought hope to everyone. It simply died as the festival’s fireworks vanished in the night.

The day after, the most talked about development wasn’t how the Abuyog’s bees did it for the big win nor the Sinanduloy’s grab for the sinulog-based award after a frustrating 2008. Since the celebration ended until today, everyone is still discussing about Mayor Tom’s message and his subsequent threats and barbs that are all pointed at the Capitol. The two million-donation to the Sinulog Foundation wasn’t even spared. Bragging about fund surpluses at the end of the year, returning the donated money was even floated. Good thing, Acting Mayor Mike didn’t budge. While we admire Mayor Tom’s consistency as far as his adversarial views on capitol is concerned, we can’t help but wonder if these are all made out of personal gratification. 

We might sound like broken records but we have to reemphasize that their rivalries are bringing us nowhere. Supposedly, in their hands, immediate solutions are held. Obviously aware but unmindful, they should be reminded that lots of Cebuanos are now penniless. Further losses of more jobs brought about by production cuts and plant closures remain real threats that could lead to labor unrest and more factory shutdowns.

Moreover, with the economic crunch obtaining globally, they should be aware that their constituents’ anxieties are too overwhelming to ignore. As the sun sets, the possibilities that a kid may be taken out of school involuntary and the likelihood of skipping a day’s important meal are becoming more imminent. Worst, the probability that a benefactor may go home from an overseas job earlier than expected and the thought of abandoning a life of abundance will continue to hound the family unbearably. 

Lately, however, we found a ray of hope. After the final decision to disqualify Capitol from their SRP bid was handed down, they respected it. Whether the act is pure political propaganda or a show of concern, let’s leave it to the Capitol insiders. The fact, however, remains that in doing so they have actively participated in an undertaking that might bail out families from imminent hunger. It means a go for Filinvest. Therefore, it means a go for large scale construction projects. With this development, thousands of construction workers and laborers will find some solace in them while waiting for the economic turmoil to wane. 

As we give heaps of praises to Capitol, throwing mud of criticisms to the City Hall is simply unavoidable. As City Hall adamantly refuses to reciprocate Capitol’s act of statesmanship, the Cebuanos will always question its motives.

While it is not mandatory for City Hall to reciprocate, for the Cebuanos’ welfare, it is necessary to a certain extent. Cebuanos are all aware that the City Hall is making it hard for the Capitol to develop its prime lots. Setting aside pride, Capitol’s proposed projects are very positive and beneficial. It is not just good for the Capitol which will directly benefit from the development or to the City Hall as it earns in terms of real property taxes and business licenses fees but the Cebuanos as well as they seek refuge from these projects’ labor-generating potential. 

Capitol’s Ciudad project is long overdue and had been losing a lot of opportunities. Then, it wasn’t approved by City Hall because of a seemingly valid reason, traffic congestion. Asked to wait until the Banilad flyover is finished, the Capitol patiently acceded. Now that the Banilad flyover is completed, we hear nothing from the City Hall. 

Apart from the Ciudad project, the old BBRC compound and Camp Lapulapu are two (2) big tracts of land that have huge potentials. These can be easily converted into huge developments. As these are adjacent to the IT Park, these lands can be easily handed over to the Ayalas for development. Known for their real estate development savvy and ability to attract locators, these developments will certainly be sound and enormously productive.  

Certainly, if these projects push through, the construction and related industries will certainly pick up. As these buildings shall house malls and offices, the domestic demand for furniture will definitely surge. Consequently, the furniture industry shall also be revitalized. In all these developments, labor will be a major component. With the possible surge in unemployment, such projects can provide solace among those who may be rendered jobless. 

Momentarily, however, they must set aside the most ticklish issue that haunts them no end, the future of 93-1 beneficiaries of Barangay Luz. In most cases, it is always difficult to tackle issues that concern constituents’ future. Apart from its political (or should I say, reelection concerns) concerns, the families’ welfare is always paramount and should not be resolved in haste. 

So far, in all these skirmishes, Capitol occupants have shown their willingness not just to reconcile but to see progress take some leaps. The City Hall has done nothing. We all know that City Hall occupants have in their hands the way for these projects to see the light of day. 

In our own little way of understanding this endless drama, these City Hall occupants who have all the wealth and lives of affluence, are just seemingly faced with the insurmountable problem of filling in their insatiable lust for power. Setting aside bankable reasons, they tend to wield their influence to a wild extent just to project their selfish attempts at supremacy or eternal recognition.

The Capitol made the first step at humility and service by giving up on their SRP bid despite all the legal remedies available to them. To most Cebuanos, this is not just a laudable act- it is the real first step to eternal recognition.

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