Saturday, August 16, 2008 Roperos: Tale of four cities By Godofredo M. Roperos Politics Also
IMAGINE a cluster of four cities. Two on either side of what we may consider as the mother city at the center because of size and age. The third is an island city, separated by a channel of sea.
If we think of the said cities as metaphorically an urban family of three daughters and a mother, we would have Talisay as the youngest daughter, Mandaue as the eldest, and Lapu-Lapu as the middle sibling. Cebu, as the mother city, nourished the growth and development of the three, and the three, owing their economic advancement, to the progress of Cebu City. Now that the three have matured into cities, they are on their own.
While the three cities are facing common problems of growth, the context and essence of their respective dilemma is varied, a product of their individual social and political milieu as well as of the aspiration, vision and management perspective of their respective leaders.
While Cebu City appears to be the most socially and politically stable and mature among the cities in the cluster, its current attitude and thrust is largely focused on its own systemic social problems and economic concerns.
Mandaue is struggling with its divided officials. Mayor Jonas appears to be divided between his desire to attain his aspirations for his city, and perform effectively as mayor, and his suspicion that the opposition-controlled City Council is out to derail his efforts.
But the Council claims it has cooperated with the mayor in most ways, and has not obstructed his budgetary demands, from the city budget to machinery, equipment and office supplies purchases. What the opposition is complaining about is the mayor’s inability to implement projects.
Similarly, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Radaza is crying obstructionism, but not against his City Council but against the business community, one of whose leader accused him of still paying the “monthly honorarium” of a deceased worker.
The case is about a barangay worker who died the other year, but is allegedly still carried in the payroll. But per affidavit of the barangay captain, the deceased’s daughter took her place. So there was no loss to the government, or intent to commit fraud.
In the case of Talisay, the problem is not a management issue, but rather a personal one of the mayor. This is a classic example of a personal concern that affects one’s managerial effectiveness, credibility, and public confidence. If he cannot manage his family problem concerning his only son, how can the public expect him to manage the multifarious problems of the city?
