Five hundred should have bought more persuasion than two hundred. This was
supposedly the nature of the game. However, Butuanon defied simple arithmetic
last election. The lesser won and stunned opponent that offered far more
better. It was strange that money did not a winner make this time around.
How was this possible?
Well, voters were no longer that naive. They took all bribes tendered but
decided to go their way. After years of being exploited they finally taught
politicians a lesson. It is hoped that candidates would learn from this.
Electorates are getting smarter. They go shopping for deserving
candidates...regardless.
Generally, voters disliked Butuan's political dynasty. They however feared more
the possibility of 'jumping off the frying pan and into the fire' of another.
What they had was somewhat bearable lately. So why take a chance?
The organization of the opposing candidate, though well financed, was weak in
substance and character that it collapsed when pressure was on. On the
contrary, the campaign format of the incumbent was solid being authored and
managed by a very experienced and brilliant political strategist. He stood
firmed and tall to face the challenge.
Big Boy won the election because people were actually seeing what they didn't
believe to see before. The city hall building is a reality and so is the
library. The new bridge and the already improved east ramp of Magsaysay were
constructed during his watch. The squatters at the river bank are history.
Numerous street diggings signify that city hall is really serious in improving
the city.
Psychedelic lighting in the park is gone. The park is well kept and is already
claimed back by upright citizens. It is also free from vendors and beggars.
The sidewalk around the park however needs repair. To smooth and level out from
decorative protuberances would make it an excellent venue for morning joggers
and walkers. It will also be convenient to seniors and handicapped people. Like
the daily Macdo pow-wow, coffee shops and restaurants nearby are also ideal.
From both sides of Libertad Bridge, progress is visible. There are no more
squatter houses on stilts seeable from the bridge. The once heavy polluted
stream is relatively clean. Construction is underway and traffic going eastward
is detoured. I saw group of kids having great time swimming and bathing in the
river. It's still a way to go but this is already a turn-around from what was
then.
The langaw in Cabcabon also shows some degree of cooperation. It decreases
significantly in numbers. Something must have been done to nearby poultries and
piggeries that the infestation of these horrible creatures is diminished.
Retired Butuanons abroad are starting to come home. This is a trend worth
noticing. Rather than spend their golden years in some known paradises, they
settle back in Butuan instead. They build houses that satisfy their fancy and
are actively involved in the community. They are happy and well received by
friends and kinship. These "balik to stay" Butuanons are assets to the city.
Their decision to go back attests the fact that things are not really that bad
in Butuan today.
The paved roads in the farmland connecting the new bridge south of the city,
will undoubtedly facilitate transport of farm products easier and faster to
market. However, the biggest potential yet untapped is real estate for
residential suburban haven to the already congested Butuan poblacion. With
flood control at hand, millionaires will eventually sprout up in Lemon, Mahay
and part of Tiniiwisan. It's the same scenario at the other side of the river.
People no longer believe in promises nor would accept excuses. What they want
is proof of tangible result. Big Boy was able to parade before their eyes what
they hoped to see. Maybe some may not be his doing and would have come to pass
anyway, but it happened during his term and henceforth a credit to his
administration. No one can deny him for that especially on people who even
blames their mayor for almost anything on the planet.
None of the above is for the poor. Nor does it grants justice to victims of
crime. Mayapay, which is eloquently expressed on T-shirts recently could just
forever stay unmoved. What Big Boy has today are eye-catching examples to
tribute his achievement. He has assets at hand to prove his worth.
He however needs to work more to deserve his renewed mandate. He has to start
building his drawings. Voters are keenly anxious. They drove a hard bargain
last election. Buying votes was not effective then and could never be anymore.
Victory is no longer written on money. People demands substance not
explanation. Three years is not that far away. Hardly can they wait.
And so is our city hospital in Tiniwisan. It failed to make improvement since.
The place mainly serves as storage of ailing people. They should have a little
human decency a bit sooner.
We'll talk more about this next month.
