Flyovers need full public consultation
As chairman of the Department of Political Science of the University of San Carlos, I have to put forth my opinion about an important principle that has been omitted in the planning and implementation of the proposed two flyovers in Cebu City.
Let me focus on good governance that requires transparency and the participation of stakeholders.
In the planning of the two proposed flyovers in Gorordo Avenue and M.J. Cuenco Avenue, were adequate public consultations made about the location and design? Did planners in the Dept. of Public Works and Highways seriously consider the views of various stakeholders?
I don’t see that in this case which explains why there is so much opposition from various groups. The proponents, led by Rep. Cutie del Mar and her father Raul, held their own consultations with barangay captains signing on a piece of paper showing their support for the flyovers.
But their signatures are not essential requirements of good governance. As political allies of the proponents, they were expected to say yes .
What good governance requires is the kind of full participation that considers opinions from all sectors. The rationale and objectives of public consultation should be considered for it to be appreciated. The public has to know about the project and share their knowledge and expertise about the project in order to come up with a better result.
Why does it seem that proponents don’t want to involve the public in plans? Why do they treat Cebu City as their small kingdom, ignoring calls for an honest to goodness consultation?
It’s about time the Department of Public Works and Highways heed calls for a full consultation and takes the cue from Secretary Rogelio Singson who was shocked to know about plans to build a whole netowrk of flyovers in Cebu City.
I am not against flyovers per se. For one, I am happy with the flyover near our home in barangay Mambaling because it eases traffic in the area but I am bitter about the one in Talamban-Banilad because it has just worsened traffic.
It is in the interest of all residents for a master plan to be formulated before we identify the right sites for the the construction of flyovers in Cebu City. Our congressmen should be sensitive to public opinion and listen to it.
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To our readers, allow me to greet you a peaceful All Saints’ Day as we observe the Filipino tradition of paying our respects to our departed brothers and sisters.
Today all our cemeteries will be very busy with throngs of visitors from all walks of life. I intend to visit the tomb of my mother Reynalda Genson Rama Poca at Cebu Memorial Park with my siblings later in the afternoon when it is no longer too hot.
We expect the police and traffic enforcers to maintain peace and order in cemeteries and roads leading to them. Many people visited the cemeteries yesterday, Monday, a non-working holiday to beat the crowds.
In Cebu towns, families visited their dead starting last Sunday yet.
Let’s have a peaceful and a joyous All Saints’ Day and pray that no untoward incident would spoil the national observance of the days of the dead.
