Drive around Bacolod City and you will see the messes left in various barangays. Dilapidated vehicles and tricycles line the roads; clotheslines are erected along the roadside, out in the open in the public’s view; and barbeque grills are set up along the roadside, where it looks like they’re setting up for a party, meanwhile, cars have a difficult time passing as their structures have reduced the size of the road. Interesting how the local government never pushes barangay officials to conduct clean-up initiatives, but instead they hold “clean your barangay” competitions and offer a cash prize.
In Marikina City, the local government prohibited barbeques along the road. Not to mention, one could not see laundry hung up in the streets and all the roads were brightly lit. In addition, designated stops were also setup for jeepneys and buses.
During my time in that city, there was an occasion where I stopped at the public market. After making a purchase, I visited City Hall, which was nearby. After three hours, I returned to my car to find a violation ticket clipped to my windshield wiper. While having lunch with my boss, Bayani Fernando, I told him about the incident and he asked me how long was I parked. I told him, “Three hours or more.”
“Toots, that parking area is for those buying goods at the palengke – it does not take three hours to buy something at the public market,” he explained. “Go to City Hall and pay your fine.”
You see what he was trying to tell me?
His explanation was common sense, which is why everybody respected him, because he believed in good governance.
Fernando used to carry a handset, which he used to communicate with city department heads, police officials, rescue units, and barangay leaders. He would contact them any time before 12:00 midnight to ensure he was kept abreast of any concerns within the city.
These government officials made sure they had everything within their jurisdiction under control. In such cases, barangay leaders kept their communities in order or else they would be reprimanded by their superiors.
Considering the example of another city, there is no reason Bacolod City barangays remain dirty, stinky, and disorderly – city officials should not be afraid of barangay leaders. In any city, cleanliness, hygiene, and order are the secrets behind development today, which is why it is important to keep our communities clean.
Are you clean, Kapitan?
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This column greets Tina Gurrea-Garcia. Maritess Bongco, Tata Lacson, Stephen Sy, Glenn Badon, Sherwin Damasco, Novo Torres, Art Colmedora, Roland Jubilag, Mark Yanson, Elsie Gonzaga, Richie Ang, Jim Javellana, Pons Rivero, Pipoy Olaira, and Archie Gupalor./WDJ