One of the notable flagship programs of President Rodrigo Duterte, “Build, Build, Build” is a massive infrastructure project constructing road widening drainage systems, bridges, schools, among other structures across the country, including Negros Occidental.

Poblacion Tabok, located in Himamaylan City, has a new bridge being built as part of the program. The new structure is being erected besides the old bridge, which makes demolishing the latter unnecessary – a good development for the southern part of the province.

I’ve seen old bridges of historical value that need urgent rehabilitation, but, unfortunately, they have been neglected. Many similar structures are considered a “nuisance” and “detrimental” to modern life. While development is inevitable, we also need to preserve old structures as much as possible; it’s why there is a National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), which is tasked with preserving old structures with historical value.

If the government must demolish a structure, it must provide valid reasons and legal basis; and even if the old structures are left alone, does NHCP have a budget for preservation and rehabilitation?

Although, for the sake of development, if given the opportunity, local governments should undertake projects under “Build, Build, Build.”

Another project is underway in Barangay Abuanan, Bago City, where controversy arose after the contractor cut down trees before securing proper permits. Following talks between the city government, concerned citizens, and environmentalists, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued a statement affirming the need for documentation.

The situation begs the questions, can roads be improved without sacrificing natural resources? And, in an effort to protect the environment, does that make a government anti-development?

Perhaps all concerned parties can come to a win-win solution.

However, once DENR issues a permit for the Barangay Abuanan project, the remaining acacia trees will be cut down anyway. It is still up to DENR to determine and figure out what basis to make their decision./WDJ