FOR nearly four decades since Bing Leonardia stepped into leadership in local governance, the issue of clearing City sidewalks for pedestrian passage was persistent against him and others who filled in the post of the mayor. It is Mayor Bing though, who is known for his staunch sidewalk vendor supporters. Through several terms, local businessmen and entrepreneurs in the downtown area, and other key spots of Bacolod, complained about the “galalapta, kasabad nga mga vendors”, but to no avail. Two previous mayors tried to undertake clearing of the sidewalks of informal settlers who conveniently turned these passageways into ‘‘vending residence”, but failed.
What took nearly four decades of futile attempts at demolition of informal settlers in strategic City lands, took barely two months of wilful demolition and clearing, by Mayor Bing’s alter ego: ex-Congressman John Orola. Armed with Duterte’s mandate, and Leonardia’s dutiful compliance, John Orola, City Administrator and virtual mayor of Bacolod implemented to a tee the demolition and clearing of illegal, obstructing structures all around Bacolod. As of October 15, Orola claims in a personal interview with him by this writer, to have accomplished 85% clearing and cleaning of the City’s major thorough fares, corners and sidewalks. What remains according to him are the really “tig-a ulo”, like the seve moneychangers using up road space along the road where the Postal Office is located.
In all the clearing and demolitions, according to Orola, “due process was observed, and series of personal dialogue of the mayor with his aggrieved sidewalk vendor supporters.” “Mayor Bing went out of his way to plea to his die-hard sulking supporters, that he has given them enough time and privilege vending in key city spots; it is time to give up their illegal occupation, and obey the President’s mandate.”
Key to the quick action response of Bacolod to finally clearing the city of illegal structures, and implementing long-delayed plans of rationalising the public market use of space, is John Orola who likes to play the role of Father of Bacolod’s Social Development. Yet, he laments how his role as “virtual mayor” is, “thankless job”. With all the flak he received from local media, used by aggrieved informal settlers and vendors, as well as some veiled death threats manifest in coffin adorned with lighted candles by the cleared market place, Orola has yet to receive, according to him, sincere expression of appreciation, “pasalamat” from the immediate beneficiaries of his bold strikes, and firm move to finally bringing Bacolod to par with other ASEAN cities. Well, this piece is my way of saying to our City Administration, “thank you for your dedicated service, and congrats to job well done!”
I can honestly write such felicitation because out of curiosity, I joined Bacolod’s ‘Little Mayor’ for a night and day tour of the city’s downtown: central market, the New Vendors’ Plaza, Jeepney Terminal, flower vendors nook, and other major spots. It was for me, pleasant surprise. After 38 years, Bacolod truly has new, clean, orderly look, giving form to its most recent award received, as the “Most Liveable City” in the Philippines.
I have traveled around the Philippines extensively, from Batanes through far Zamboanga, I must say that the Bacolod of 2019 MASSKARA is top for being nearly ‘stress free’ of traffic, and filled with long list of places to go for relaxation and dining.
Kari Kamo sa bacolod!