Festivals at people’s expense

if one were to witness how fiestas and festivals are observed in Dagupan City, one would begin to wonder why anyone would make us believe that the country’s economy is in shambles. Between the earsplitting roar of engines of long motorcades that make a worsening oil crisis look like a big joke, and the wide array of colorful costumes donned by street dancers, to the showbiz galore and pop bands playing, the air is unmistakably full of the “live happily today” spirit like there is no tomorrow.

And one can see and feel the city hall bustling with activities, preparing for the grand party. (Alas, it’s the kind of excitement that one rarely sees when these same employees are tasked to deliver government services to their constituents).

Certainly, nothing can be wrong with a people that want to kick its heels and party all night long. Our people deserve to party every now and then and nobody can begrudge the city government for hosting one.

But while the Lim administration would not think of sparing any expense that could put a damper on the celebration of its Bangus Festival, we have yet to see the city government put in as much effort or demonstrate serious concerns to ensure the city’s development in a sustainable environment.

This situation, therefore, gives us pause and makes us wonder what the partying really is all about. While we know that the Dagupan spirit is something to cheer about, is this being used as a convenient smokescreen to make people forget that the city government has been remiss in its mandated tasks?

There is much for the Lim administration to explain and to account for and yet this city government has not demonstrated any willingness to account for anything.

For starters, the city now has to contend with debt servicing. Why? Who spent what, and for what? How were these spent? Who can explain the evident overpricing in these contracts? The plaza landscape contract, garbage hauling contract land purchase in Brgy. Awai in San Jacinto street lights contract etc.

Why is the dumpsite in Bonuan Boquig  still open? Why is the city losing in its operation of the Malimgas market? Why is there a high level of coliform found in the city’s rivers? Why are the fish pens still unregulated? 

Sure, let’s party and be merry but sure as the sun will rise tomorrow we will wake up with yet another hang-over, the kind that reminds us that the problems didn’t go away and the situation is not getting any better.

In fact, Councilor Nicanor Aquino, the festival’s chairman, who refused to account for his management of the city fiesta in 2004 can very well be expected again to refuse to account for his management of the Bangus Festival, with the full concurrence of Mayor Benjamin Lim. And as usual, the city council, true to form, will again not raise a whimper against the city hall’s “No Accountability” policy.

So, after the party sounds shall have faded away, only then will our people realize that the party was held at their great expense.

      Higher taxes, less public service, no transparency, no accountability.

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