SOLUTIONS to traffic, peace and order, and other social problems are what voters want to see in their communities as the 2019 midterm elections draw near.
SunStar Cebu interviewed 10 registered voters from different barangays and municipalities in Cebu about their individual and community aspirations for the upcoming elections.
The respondents came from barangays in Mandaue and Cebu like Kamputhaw, Tisa, and Talamban; and municipalities like Badian and Moalboal. Most of their concerns were in line with the persisting problems in Cebu like traffic and peace and order in the community.
Benedict Remedio, 21, said traffic is one of the main problems, especially in his barangay, Talamban.
“I-solve sa dapat ang basic living condition sa tawo like ang traffic. I-improve na kay dako ra ba og waste sa time unya money sad na,” he said.
(Traffic problem must be solved because it has impact to people's time and money.)
For Amytes Bontilao, 34, having a peaceful community is what she wants, aside from seeing her children having access to right education.
“Simple ra man akong ganahan. Walay gubot nya organized ang tawo, nya ang mga pulis ug politiko nag-unite, dili ingon nga naglain-lain ra sila’g opinion. Sa akong pamilya, naghinaot ko nga mudako sila nga naay kahadlok sa naghimo sa balaod ug makahuman sila sa ilang ganahan kurso,” she said.
(What I want is simple. [That] there will be no chaos and people are organized while police and politicians are united, not having different opinion. For my family, I am hoping that they [my children] will grow up following the law and for them to finish the course of their choice.)
Some respondents also said they wish the community would critically think about issues happening in the province, especially cases of rape and brutal killings.
Mary Ann Libron, 48, from Badian, hopes that persons who will be elected will find a solution to the series of crimes in Cebu.
“Maghinaot ko nga mausab ni ang kaning mga di maayo nga kina-iya karong panahona sama anang patay, rape, drugs. Mao nay angay tutukan ug tan-awon ug pag-ayo para mausab atong palibot,” she said.
(I am hoping that there will be no killings, rape, and drugs. These are the issues officials should look into to change our community.)
Julian Sam Amodia, 26, a teacher of a private school in Cebu and a voter of Barangay Kamputhaw, said he wants people to remember the basic moral and ethical values to ensure that the province stays peaceful and orderly.
“Impart values that are very useful in our society today. Most of the time, we focus too much on academics that the values are thrown out of the window,” he said.
Micole Gerard Tizon, 20, a graduating student and voter of Barangay Tisa, said he is hoping that people would responsibly vote in the upcoming elections if they wish to change the community.
“Everyone should vote responsibly so that changes would be implemented and the province would be in harmony,” he said. (Jayvee Gulfan and Von Daniel Plasencia, USC interns)