LGU work starts now

 

ON Monday, July 1, winning candidates in the May 13 election will be reporting for their first day of work in a three-year mandate entrusted to them by their communities. Whether they are re-elected, shifted to another post, returning after a hiatus, or a newbie, our elected provincial, city and municipal officials have one common role and duty: public servants who will lead the people through good governance.

What, in everyday life, does that mean? Lay down projects and programs that will respond to what the people need most: opportunities for better livelihood, quality education for the youth, institutionalized health and social services, reduced risks from disasters, especially those that are brought about by the changing global climate, and peace and order.

The candidates made promises on these things during the campaign period. Now, right at the beginning of their term in office, constituents should prepare a scorecard based on those campaign promises. Then every year on July 1, they should make a performance evaluation on the scorecard. Were improvements made in the agri-aquaculture industries, which are still the main economic sectors in the province? Were employment opportunities opened up? Are the public school students enjoying a more conducive learning environment? Is quality healthcare no longer a privilege for the moneyed? Are our communities safer from calamities and drugs and other common crimes?

Three years is a short time for officials who will procrastinate on the job, but a long enough time to make real improvements at the local level for those who have the political will and sincerity to deliver on their promises.

 

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Until December

 

HERE we go again.  A government promise that flooding in Metro Manila will end this December.  That is barely six months to go. We can only hope it’s going to finally happen, that flood control projects are going to be completed – by hook or by crook – and finally make the capital city livable again.

Our metropolis has suffered enough, Metro Manilans always suffering the brunt of floods of disastrous, life-claiming proportions for decades now.  Of course, we will always hear shouts: “That can’t be done!  The government is fooling us, again!”  They are the hecklers, and there will always be hecklers.  Let’s give Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson the benefit of the doubt when he said, “Until December of this year.”

We all hate promises.  But if there’s one promise we might learn to love, this must be it.

Until December.  Let’s tie them down to that.

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