What's next for Cebu
Liloan town in northern Cebu now has a new pier. It is said to be able to accommodate passengers from this town to Mactan Island and nearby Camotes, saving travel time. The usual hour-and-a-half to two could now be cut down to 30 or 40 minutes. This new pier was launched last Saturday, with no less than President Bongbong Marcos Jr. Such an unlikely event for a high official to attend. Either way, he did grace the event and left in a jiffy on the presidential chopper.
It was unlikely because it was a privately owned pier. On top of that, the president is in between the squabble of Vice President Sara Duterte Carpio and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. They got in a row when Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was demoted from her position in the House of Representatives from senior deputy speaker to just deputy speaker. This may have irked Carpio and she resigned as the chairwoman of Lakas CMD, where Arroyo also sits as chairwoman emeritus.
A meeting was said to have taken place with these key officials and some top leaders in Cebu. If we were to ask Governor Gwen Garcia, she said that it is beneficial for Cebu. Whatever transpired there was something good for everyone to benefit from. We also note that from the president's speech over the weekend, he did mention Megacebu 2050. It was defined as providing more projects, developments and opportunities for Cebu which he termed as a province "leading the way" among others in this country,
While it sounds like a good deal for us, what's next for Cebu will also highly depend on what's happening at the national level. The “drama” at the House of Representatives will also influence our congressmen. Apparently, that's how politics works. Despite the genuine heart to serve others, there will always be a mix of power play especially when it comes to getting what they wish to ask for.
It will always be like that, whether in the House, Senate, or any place with an organization. Like drag queens like to reason out, everything is political. I'd have to agree because it is so. What Cebu can do now is continue its good work of setting examples for the country. As the most vote-rich province, I'm sure we will still be in the pipeline of wonderful projects that would benefit all of us.
But honestly, what I wish to be next for Cebu is peace. Although we have the concept of a One Cebu Province including its highly-urbanized cities, others just won't follow suit. They think that they hold on to their ideals as a way of standing their ground. Yet, we must remember again that in politics power is always about having allies. Without that, it would be difficult to govern even such a small area. We can unite despite the differences, that's true as long as both parties are willing to. Don't you think it's time for that?