Nalzaro: The Radazas’ generosity and Lapu-Lapu’s bad roads

Sunday, February 20, 2011

I ATTENDED the grand 50th birthday bash of shipping magnate Chester Cokaliong, president and chief executive officer of Cokaliong Shipping Lines, last Saturday at the Shangri-la’s Mactan Resort and Spa.

It was around 6 p.m. when I left Cebu City for Lapu-Lapu City. As I entered Barangay Mactan, passing through Barangay Buaya, I experienced heavy traffic. All vehicles leading to the Mactan Shrine were in single file because the road only has one lane.

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I thought those heading for Shangri-la would attend Chester’s birthday. But when I inquired, I found out it was Barangay Mactan’s fiesta celebration. I was stuck for almost an hour.      

As I passed by the Radaza residence, I noticed a lot of people going in and coming out. I gathered the Radazas were having an open house and offering an eat-all-you-can for the residents.

Mayor Paz Radaza used to be Mactan barangay captain before succeeding her husband, Arturo “Boy” Radaza, who is now the representative of the lone district of Lapu-Lapu City.

On the lawn of the Radaza residence, there were tents and iron grills were mounted.

Barangay tanods were deployed apparently to guide people to avoid a stampede. On the main gate, there was a big placard. It said, “5:30 magsugod ang kaon.” Grabe no. Ingon ani na diay ning mga pulitiko. Tiaw nimo nang tibouk lungsod man ang pakan-on. Or the Radazas are just very generous. Mao nang gihatagan sila ug grasya nga walay pilde-pilde?

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If there are bad roads in Cebu and Mandaue Cities, there are more dilapidated roads in Lapu-Lapu City. And mind you, these roads are near posh beach resorts, where foreign guests usually check in. The roads in Barangays Basak and Maribago, near the Imperial Palace, are badly damaged. Morag lunangan sa kabaw. I don’t know if these are being fixed. According to the information I gathered, the problem has been there for quite a time.

The area is usually flooded when it rains and the water gets stagnant.

We are promoting Lapu-Lapu as one of our tourist attractions and yet the local government unit has failed to address this problem.

Who is responsible for the maintenance of those roads? Paging Mayor Radaza or the public works and highways (if the roads are national).

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The killing of a Bantay Dagat volunteer in Argao by illegal fishers has again revived the issue on whether Bantay Dagat personnel should be armed.

Like anti-crime volunteers in the barangay level, their lives will always be in danger if they operate against armed illegal fishermen.

I have nothing against arming anti-crime and Bantay Dagat volunteers, as long as they follow the requirements in acquiring and possessing guns. 

Barangay captains were issued firearms, but they follow the law. First, their firearms should be licensed. Also, they should undergo training and seminar on gun-handling and comply with requirements like a neuro test. They should also secure a permit to carry firearms outside of their residence.

And the LGU, which hired the services of these people, should process the requirements. If the volunteers cannot meet the requirements then they should not be issued firearms.

It’s unfair to other individuals, to us in the media, if authorities will just allow anybody to carry firearms without the legal requirements.

I have two firearms: a .22 and a. 99mm pistol. I don’t bring these outside my residence, not even in my car which is considered as an extension of my residence because I don’t have a permit to carry outside of residence. Maybe I am just a law-abiding citizen.

(bobby@sunstar.com.ph)