Share the road
I for one support the Road Revolution Part 2 and all road revolutions in the future because belatedly I saw and was convinced by the logic for this kind of reform. It took environment lawyer Tony Oposa Jr. to open our eyes to the need for change.
Initially some people were critical because closing the road to vehicles deprived them of the use of the road for their cars. But Oposa countered by asking why does the government give so much attention to car owners who are so few and why do they dominate our roads compared to millions who go to work and school but don’t have vehicles?
Oposa’s simple logic hit the spot. So it boils down to the movement’s motto “Those who have less in cars should have more in roads.”
True enough the first Road Revolution last June 12 was a success, exceeding expectations of government officials and the people. I agree with the proposal for a Road Revolution every Sunday to give people the opportunity to enjoy their city without much pollution and traffic accidents.
The Road Revolution is indeed a revolution because it is shifting the paradigm or mind-set of people to be conscious of their rights and health. It would be wonderful to see thousands of Cebuanos enjoying the streets with their families, walking, running and promenading with other healthful activities.
I am thus encouraging students in the University of San Carlos Political Science Department and other departments to join the Road Revolution and organize activities for the youth to enjoy their rightful use of the road.
Let’s make it a Sunday habit to clear the streets for a Road R evolution. Just think f the health benefits.
* * *
I am elated with the report in the Inquirer about the big business in buko juice for the US market. Coco water is the latest craze. Even Madonna has invested millions of dollars in a company that produces it.
President Aquino is correct in saying that we Filipinos should take advantage of the trend and cash in on the interest in buko juice that is sure to perk up the economy.
It’s about time we are careful not to waste our resources in coconuts, which grow all over the country. With its rising popularity in the US, we should start planting coconuts in our farms instead of abandoning farms to seek greener pasture in the city. Local governments will play a crucial role in promoting coconut production.
* * *
The Philippine Constitution is very clear that education should be prioritized by government. Time and again we’ve been told about the importance of education for all of us and for the future of the country.
Today we see a government that does not share this passion of educators and students. The government has dramatically cut the budget of state colleges and universities. Thousands of students went on the streets the other day to protest the reduced budget for education although I know in the University of the Philippines, the privilege of a state-subsidized schooling has been abused. This happens when members of a rich family secure their education in UP thus depriving a chance for poor but deserving students to enroll.
If we intend to raise the quality of education to world standards we must bankroll our educational system. If not, the expected will happen and Philippine schools will continue to fall in survey rankings.
