Brimming with projects

When the president visited Cebu last week, the day was filled with praises and promises. I had the opportunity to see him during his luncheon with One Cebu and Visayas governors at the Capitol. It was a simple yet significant gathering, as several representatives personally handed over their signed manifestos to the country’s leader. It was a testament of support to the current administration. Performances followed to entertain the crowd while lunch was underway. Although the specific conversations shared over the table were not disclosed to the public, it was evident that the region is poised for a promising future.

In his speech, the president outlined several projects lined up for the region. These include the completion of the ongoing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and the commencement of infrastructure projects still in the pipeline, such as the fourth Mactan-Mandaue bridge and other initiatives aimed at enhancing inter-provincial connectivity. It almost felt like Visayas had hit the jackpot. After all, the region is at the heart of the country and, outside of Metro Manila, holds strong potential for economic growth and competitiveness across various sectors.

While we welcome these projects, there appears to be a disconnect between the developments being rolled out and the actual needs of the constituents. There is no overwhelming demand from the public for some of these big-ticket projects. For instance, the fourth bridge doesn’t guarantee the decongestion of traffic or significant improvements in the daily commute of residents traveling between cities. Similarly, while the ongoing BRT project is promising, there is no certainty it will operate as effectively as similar systems in other countries. The Regional Development Council should conduct a thorough review from the grassroots level to identify what the community truly needs.

For example, there is a pressing need to improve mass transportation. Beyond the ongoing jeepney modernization efforts, the driving practices of operators remain outdated. Our dependence on gasoline persists, and travel times are still heavily influenced by unpredictable traffic conditions. These changes are largely addressing physical upgrades without solving the underlying issues. While additional road access points may help redirect vehicle volumes, we must prioritize solutions that are environmentally sustainable.

The president undoubtedly has a full agenda, and having our region included in his priorities is an honor. It signifies that the Visayas holds considerable importance to the national leadership. However, we hope his commitment to our leaders goes beyond political alliances and represents a genuine exchange of projects and programs that will benefit our communities. Our region offers so much, even on the international stage. Our stunning beaches and mountains are sources of pride, and we manage peace and order with commendable efficiency. Ultimately, we hope that the research underpinning these projects is thorough and well-founded. The justification for each initiative should be rooted in the real needs of the people, not just in grand visions. We are all invested in building a new Philippines, one where development is inclusive, sustainable, and truly transformative.