ONE year since President Rodrigo Duterte sat in office and waged his war against drugs and corruption, some are saying he has failed. We say not.
Like everything that happened in Davao City before, the results are not really visible on the surface. True, there are drug addicts in Davao City. But not at the rate that it was before when a considerable number of people we know were into it. It's like a rite of passage of sorts, before.
When adolescence comes, then the vices trickle in: drinks, cigarettes, and the more adventurous or rebellious raise the par by going into drugs. These days, it's no longer mainstream, and that took years to be realized.
Much like smoking and drinking. When before the general populace of college students smoke and drink, now the majority of graduates are non-smokers and non-drinkers. There are still those who do, but they are no longer the mainstream.
We can attribute it to the general trend toward health and wellness, but we know that the liquor and smoking bans played a major role in this.
It's all about awareness and the people's response to authority. One year will never be enough to let the people know that the government is serious in its drive. One year is never enough for the people to do their part.
One thing is for sure: the government can never succeed if the people do not cooperate. For decades on end, the Dabawenyos have been acknowledged for their role in making implementation of laws successful. While the iron hand of its former mayor and now president helped, it was the full cooperation of the people that ensured the success of the implementation.
Now the question is, have you already cooperated in the government's drive for good governance and a safe and secure environment for the children and the youth?
If you haven't, and if all you have done so far is shout and rage and demand what government should be doing instead of doing your part as a citizen, then yes, the drive against drugs and corruption is doomed to fail. We get the government we deserve.