As of late, urban planner, Arch. Felino Palafox, Jr., has been mentioned in the local papers on speculations he will be working on a master plan for the city. The idea is all well and good, but the platitudes and hyperbole being spouted about the city are nothing but presumptuous. One such comment claimed Bacolod City currently had the capability of competing against major global cities. While it is good to have some pride, taking a look at the city from the ground, not quite sure the international locality they had in mind.

Although, in terms of precise locations, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia cited Palafox as “one of the creators” of the master plan for Dubai; asking, “Can you imagine if we can use his brains for Bacolod?”

Sure, put up some buildings and label it “progress.” Yet, with the daily habits of jeepneys and tricycles taking to the streets unfettered; squatters given free rein with no consequences to their actions, even if it interferes with the public or congests the roads; the open embrace of public urination, with every corner of the city deemed a port-a-potty (doesn’t really say much about regard for the city itself); the constant littering and random dumping done across the city; among other filthy habits, not sure where the parallel comes in between Bacolod City and Dubai.

It has been said in the past, as much as elected officials like to express their delusions of grandeur, claiming it would not take very long for the country to become “first world,” all the improvements in the world could make for a decent advertisement or promotion claiming such a status, but while the aforementioned habits are still regularly practiced, that upward mobility will never happen.

Moving up from the developing world also involved a change of behaviors.

This is not to be confused with changing culture. A change in behavior means things like driving on the correct side of the road, embracing cleanliness and sanitation; this also includes common sense traits such as courtesy and equality. One may believe the last two items are already in existence in the Philippines, but they are not in the least. While one cannot have 100 percent cooperation in any country around the world, employing basic actions can help improve the general populace (along with relating to foreign visitors), things such as holding the door for others, saying “please” and “thank you,” giving way to somebody who needs to pass, or any other act that many locally believe is not a matter of kindness, but defining gestures of subservience – not indicative of a natural inclination to treat everybody equally.

During the recent New Year celebrations, the mayor said he wants, in the future, to have millions viewing the countdown program at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), likening it to the celebration at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where over two million flocked to greet 2018. He added, the event will be held annually, with hopes of it developing into one similar to New York City, where the world-famous Waterford Crystal ball drops above Times Square.

As mentioned, nothing wrong with the aspirations, but with current attitudes pervading throughout the city, what chance does so-called “progress” have beyond being a campaign slogan or a façade for public relations?

Beautiful structures rising from the ground are marvelous sights. But when the sidewalk in front of the said structure is lined with tricycles obstructing part of the road (even with a canopy featuring pictures of local officials who provided for it); jeepneys swerving to pick up passengers or stopping randomly to let people off, causing more congestion; street children (sometimes naked) out front harassing patrons coming in and out; and the sidewalk lined with tricycles also has makeshift shelters built to house squatters, none of that really brings to mind Dubai or New York City.

The plan to elevate and uplift Bacolod City is something every local resident would love to see, however, real progress begins with the people. Once people learn to respect both their city (by not littering or throwing garbage everywhere, not urinating anywhere they please, and doing away with attitudes that encourage informal settlements) and each other (by understanding everybody is equal, offering consideration to others, and having some humility), improvements will be seen immediately; and once that foundation is built, then comes the physical development./PLL, WDJ