Cebu Teaches The Other Philippine Cities How To Do It

LAST July 11 to 14, 2005, local officials of Bacolor headed by Mayor Buddy Dungca, Vice Mayor Diman Datu, Municipal Councilors Pogi Caballa, Ogie Dizon, Noel Serrano, Amable Bengco, Boy Alfonso, Joy Rivera, Bong Matic, SK president Jaycel C. Galura, ABC president Ric Galban, DILG officers Jackie Pelayo and Rose Camaya, together with this columnist-Municipal Council Secretary visited Cebu on a LAKBAY ARAL.

It was no junket but basically a learning experience. The resilience and political maturity of the Cebuanos is something we in Pampanga can learn a lot from. It has all the basic elements of a progressive and nearly self-reliant province. It is not surprising why Cebu was given the moniker Queen City of the South. With its facilities and disciplined people, I am not surprised why it is the favorite haven for seminars and conventions. Cebu may not have the cozy climate of Baguio, but the totality of its attractions make it a favorite tourist destination.

In our four (4) day tour in the different places in Cebu, I did not lose sight of the fact that I am a journalist with special interest in observing and writing about the political situation obtaining in the province. It is a complete contrast to Metro Manila. I have seen with my own eyes that GMA is well received and respected in Cebu. The situation presents a sharp contrast to the shouting and anarchy in Metro Manila. The million majority of the Cebuanos gave GMA in the last election is no fluke but real. There was no massive cheating in Cebu. If the province of Cebu was a microcosm of the whole country, there would be no doubt about the victory and legitimacy of GMA as president of the Filipino people.

Self-proclaimed messiahs of the opposition would be ashamed to call for the President's resignation if they feel the situation in Cebu.

These lackeys of the opposition and those who have made protesting in the streets as their cottage industry would be taken aback by the fact that they are stopped from shouting for the President's resignation. The Cebuanos, just like the Kapampangans, gave the President a resounding mandate. So resounding is her mandate in Cebu and Pampanga that those who are against the President have absolutely no legal and moral right to impugn the exercise of our sovereignty. No one, not even from President Cory nor Senate President Drilon can impugn and trample our sovereignty.

Cebu is the picture of a house in order. It is a place where the people are pro-active. The policy of its leadership is well received and respected by the people. If you are a tourist you can board a taxi and be not afraid that the taxi driver will abuse you. Name your destination and he will deliver you safely, promptly and unharmed.

You can walk the city streets and be comfortable that nobody will slash your pocket.

There are political dynasties headed by the Osmeñas, Garcias, Ramas, Duranos, Cuencos, etc. These politically powerful families also wield a big influence on the business climate. Their political families and their wealth bear a lot on the political and economic profile of the province and city. Yes, they have their vested interests to protect, but when the greater interest of their province and nation is at stake, they set aside these petty differences and act as one. This is the famous solidarity of the Cebuanos. Time and again, they have been put to a test that their unity made them overcome.

No offense meant to the people of Metro Manila, but I think the Cebuanos show more political maturity. They are not easily carried away by passions and instigation. They are capable of discernment. I am not surprised if the ugly face of poverty is not as prevalent in Cebu as in Metro Manila. The Cebuano blood that binds the people makes them easily manageable. The center of leadership wields a strong influence in the lives of the people. I find no obstructionism and rebellion in the fabric of their character.

The anarchy spreading in Metro Manila puts the metropolis in self- destruction. Its social, economic and political problems keep compounding with each passing day. The political leadership is only human. It tends to be sympathetic to those showing harmony and cooperation to its policies and leadership. The political leaders of Cebu are only too good in this department, reading the temperament of the times.

It was our first Lakbay Aral in four years under Mayor Buddy Dungca. We may not have seen everything in Cebu but it has given us the bird's view on how to manage our internal affairs and how we can support the National Government in good or in bad times.

In a brief discourse before Provincial Secretary Annie Pasaylo, my friend, I said "We in Pampanga have come to Cebu to observe how things are in the presidential province."

[By Art R. San Pedro]