Speaker without a microphone

PLANS to develop infrastructure in the prov inces did not figure in the latest presiden tial address to the nation. The only mention of Cebu by President Rodrigo Duterte in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) Monday was made in passing, in relation to the establishment of Malasakit Centers in cities including Cebu. President Duterte devoted time and words for Mindanao in its quest for self-determination through the proposed Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Does it mean that the provinces are not in his line of sight?

Not necessarily, but there was little mention of provinces in this last Sona. One thing is sure. Out of his three Sonas, the last one made Monday was most vague about plans to develop provinces.

In his address last year, Duterte mentioned projects for Mindanao and some road development in other provinces, including in Metro Cebu. He said then he was giving orders to local officials to work on decongesting roads, such as removing obstructions.

In 2016, in his first address to the nation, Duterte mentioned Cebu when he announced the Cebu rail project that will have an estimated length of 21 kilometers. He also spoke of solving transportation problems by buying more trains and pursuing inter-island connection. He mentioned the Panay rail project in the Visayas.

In last Monday’s Sona, there was no mention of infrastructure projects in the provinces.