Davao’s Malacañang
THE group of Presidential Adviser on the Visayas Michael Dino is preparing the Malacañang of the South for occupation and work. The building is an iconic structure in Cebu City, just a 5-minute stroll from City Hall in the wharf area, as it used to be a Customs Office. Plans are afoot to create regional coordinators and name provincial assistants to assist the incoming administration with the Herculean task ahead servicing the entire Visayas.
Further South, the inertia inaugurated by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to convene his first cabinet meeting in the Malacañang of Mindanao (Davao) is a breath of fresh air that contrasts with the over-centric governance in Manila. The seat of government is where the president of the Philippines decides to hold office. It will be a monumental chain reaction in symbolic and substantive terms when the new president sticks to his guns and remains closest to his roots, the countryside and Mindanao, highlighted by his abiding presence and attention.
The Duterte administration reminding national agencies and bureaus that the real work that requires expediting and accomplishing is not in Manila. The greater country is outside the National Capital Region. It is the rural areas and the “provinciano” that demand the greatest attention of government front-line services. If President Duterte decides to remain in Davao and create a Malacañang for Mindanao, I am all for it! In brief it achieves in one swift action the 3 “Rs” for the South in our archipelago–“Representation, Recognition, Reform.” No less than the highest official of the land holding office and taking action for quicker political movement and countryside development. If the problem and promise is in Mindanao, where should the doctor be? Let the Cabinet members fly to Davao when necessary, for example, when a regular meeting is held. Cabinet clusters based on their assigned concerns may be operational in Manila and their output conveniently forwarded to the president by various modes of modern communication. There is Skype and Viber.
President Duterte need not venture daily to and from Manila then to Davao, as that would be a security risk, and back-breaking. His travel to Manila could be on a per-need basis and only for very important state duties e.g. Rizal Day, Bataan, etc. As head of state and government, he should be granted the greatest latitude to stay where he is most comfortable but effective.
He would also hit a second objective, that of creating an Office of the President in Mindanao. Another first. Besides, with Manila’s traffic and pollution. Mr. President, stay in Davao. Do visit Cebu for the other Malacañang.