“DRESS light, travel light, and enjoy a hassle-free Davao.”
These were the words of Colonel Consolito Yecla, the commander of Task Force Davao when asked about the new policy for this year’s Kadayawan.
Dressing light refers to the no jacket policy while traveling light is the no backpack policy. These policies were implemented in response to bomb threats in Davao City.
As a person who loves wearing jackets and carrying a backpack, I was dismayed at the new policy. Not having a backpack would mean that I’d have to stuff everything in my tiny pockets.
Other people shared the same sentiments. My classmate, who is susceptible to the cold, now has to buy shawls.
Contrary to what Colonel Yecla said, the new policy is a hassle.
Explaining the implementation, Yecla said this was part of the task force’s security measures. It was done to make sure that improvised explosive devices do not enter crowded premises.
As he continued talking, I could not help but look back on the 2016 Roxas Night Market bombing and the innocent lives that were taken because of a single bomb.
If security were tight before, then the 17-year-old Pharmacy student who died would have graduated by now.
If people were more vigilant, then the pregnant victim would be a mother of a toddler today.
After more rumination, I realized that the minor annoyance of not being able to bring a backpack and jacket is nothing compared to the number of lives that could be saved.
The annoyance would disappear once people are used to the new rule, but lives would never be returned once lost.
Instead of looking at things negatively, I learned to accept that this policy will benefit everyone in the long-term.
We, Davaoeños, should prioritize security over convenience to ensure that in Davao, “life is here.”
It is high time that people see security not just as a precaution, but as a way of living. (Kurt Ivan Bue/Ateneo de Davao University intern)