Through the lens of a proactive Dumaguetnon youth, I consider it as a responsibility to look closely at different aspects of China’s concrete manifestations that their great wall of unsurmountable progress is made of. I am filled with utmost excitement to reflect on my first-hand experience with their culture, how they manage their urban planning while preserving the environment, attaining sustainable tourism, and being marveled by their wide array of technological innovations.
When we arrived in Guangzhou, the temperature was at 15º Celsius. I caught myself smiling for I was being delighted since it was my first time to visit a subtropical environment. We traveled for another two hours going to Huaiji — a county under the administration of Zhaoqing City of western Guangdong province.
There, we visited a place called Rose Garden where the city’s vision to attract capital investment by making the best use of its natural environment is being perfectly depicted. But of course, environmental protection enhancement has always been at the top of their list to consider in developing tourism spots in the city.
On our second day, we went straight to Shenzhen which is a major city of Guangdong touted as China’s first so-called Special Economic Zone.
According to a Chinese businessman who accompanied us, Shenzhen used to be a poor village in the Pearl River Delta located near Hong Kong. In 1979, China was opened to capitalism and foreign investment, then Communist Party leader Deng Xiaoping chose to start with the city. From the 1980s onwards, change happened at unimaginable speed.
Today, the city is known globally as a magnet for technology entrepreneurs. Astonishingly, encroaching skyscrapers coated with varying colorful lights greeted our group when we were heading to the restaurant for dinner after a long day in the Window of the World, where we have seen a number of reproductions of famous sites from different countries.
On the next day, we traveled back to Guangzhou. Based on the information in the brochure that contains a brief history of the city, Guangzhou used to be so crowded having narrow streets and winding alleys just like Dumaguete.
Through a well-planned modernization program in 1930s, wide streets were built which allowed the city to expand and progressed economically.
As what we have observed, the influx of people posed to be a serious problem in the city yet they have managed to organize well their housing commodification to aid growing residential segregation and urban fragmentation.
Furthermore, urban greening is very evident along the main streets and in the middle of the roads to enhance and protect urban forests and green spaces. Historical sites and startling architecture are along the Pearl River reflecting the rich Guangzhou culture.
The city has numerous waterways which are connected with the city’s drainage system yet their local government has maintained its cleanliness.
Despite all their aggressive modernization efforts, they still give of high importance and priority for their culture. In fact years ago, their municipal government uncovered one of these canals which stretches from next Shamian Island to Liwan Lake.
With abundant trees, numerous shops, restaurants, old buildings and cultural and art museums, Lizhiwan canal is now a major tourism attraction.
Our five-day trip in China entailed a lot of gestures than words in communicating with the locals. It might be the most challenging part for some, yet their patriotism and their attitude towards their culture and beliefs are praise worthy.
Basked in the warmth of the sunrise while we were flying back to the Philippines, I am filled with hope and greatness. I am beyond thankful for our incumbent City Mayor Ipe Remollo for this remarkable and eye-opening opportunity.
This huge investment for the future of Dumaguete has made me realize one important thing: impossibilities are only possibilities waiting to be unveiled.
Looking at Dumaguete City’s progress today, I must say that we have already taken a huge leap for the past three years but we still have a long way to go.
Our trip taught me that progress shouldn’t be solely dependent on our government officials. As citizens, it is also our responsibility to contribute something for progress to be attained.
Two significant ingredients for the recipe of progress are already in: master plan and strong political will.
Hence, it’s high time for us to always put ourselves in a positive disposition, expand our knowledge on the indicators of sustainability and find that perfect spot for our productivity where we can contribute, because in unity we can do more.
Renz Macion
Vice President
SK Federation Dumaguete
