The dynasty is threatened.
The family that holds political dominance of the city for quite sometime
finally finds its match. Another family with equal distinction and means
desires to expand its political domain by adding Butuan as its prize position.
The incumbent will not take it lying down. It will huff and puff all it could
muster to blow away the challenger.
Whoever wins the city wears the laurel as numero uno of the region. This is the
battle of titans where combatants give all that it takes. The stake is too high
for the vanquished may start to slide down to obscurity. No side therefore can
afford defeat.
Meanwhile, the saliva dripping electorates are excited to expect bigger take.
The question often asked is not about issues, but on how much a ballot cost
this time around. It has been fairly lucrative the last few elections and the
one coming could break the record.
At this juncture expectation runs wild. A far fetch scenario even exists that
these two equal and opposing forces may develop into a state of balance like
the eye of a hurricane. Voters then may consider issues to further influence
their choice. After enjoying usual gratuities, electorates may decide to pick
candidates with better approach towards prevailing concerns. This of course is
wishful thinking.
In such a case, record of one in office and perception about the challenger are
determining factors. Environment, peace and order and poverty issues may come
to the forefront. The choice is between what it is and what it may. People may
take a chance in desperation for possible changes. It's not an easy decision.
It could mean a rock or a hard place or even jumping off the frying pan and
into the fire.
Our leaders have long been flying high to showcase the city on guised glory
while standing on the back of the impoverished. Plans about super
infrastructures as coliseum and other costly items are indeed nice to have and
even at times necessary. It however becomes irksome when it's resting on
tangled and dismal living of the poor.
All these dreams can wait. Priority is consequently out the window knowing that
only the lucky few could afford to enjoy these when realized. The main bulk of
the population is still locked in towards perennial search for basic
necessities as food and shelter. Money for these projects therefore is better
spent towards initiatives that encourage betterment on their lives.
Butuan is an agricultural paradise. While seeds thrown to the ground grow well,
ten thousand children are mal-nourished. It is ironic that most of these
children live in and around the farmland. Something is very wrong when our
fertile soil and favored climate fails to provide sustenance to the population.
It is further hard to swallow when a number of these children dwell in close
proximity to commercial chicken poultries and pig barns.
A number of variables are in play, but the culprit is neither indolence nor
productivity of the land. Our farmers are hard working people and the land
yields as expected. It is the system which the farmers are subjected that makes
agriculture unsustainable.
From land cultivation to planting and on to harvest time, our local farmers are
mercilessly squeezed by loan sharks. Crops are purchased under value and
payment of loan interest is exorbitant. When all dues and bills are settled,
farmers have virtually nothing left for the family. This vicious cycle goes on
and on unabated thereby adversely affecting children and the wellbeing of rural
folks.
The city has a department of agriculture. But efforts are mostly on crops and
health of domestic animals. It's either ignorance or timidity that economic
consternation of farmers caused by the abusive tactics of unscrupulous
middlemen is ignored.
It is perceived that barrio voters command significant weight on election. It
baffles the mind that aside from illicit inducement, city politicians are
unenthusiastic to address concerns affecting rural citizens. There are reports
however that a challenging candidate, being one with rural upbringing is tender
hearted towards their needs. It is refreshing to know that at least one of
their kinds has the willingness to act as angel of understanding with intent to
look into dilemmas of a long forgotten people.
Election is supposed to be a renewal of commitment. It's never intended to
assess politician's return of investment. Our city of affection is among the
poorest areas in the country. We lagged behind even with our neighbors. What
better proof does one needs to wake up to reality that we have to change? We
have the tools to do it. The correct way of choosing leadership is definitely
the turning point.
Yes, this balance of power makes it difficult to predict. Anyone has means to
defeat the other. It could be on issues that outcome is determined.
Nevertheless, it could also be on power failure.
