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.