Makalingaw. What can I say? No one could have predicted the extremely interesting reactions of peoples of all kinds of persuasions and passions, on radio, in print or text messages, on Facebook, etc., when the Promenade Ordinance was made public after it was sponsored by our hardworking councilors.
Calling on Mayor Chiquiting or Vice Mayor Cordova, who used to take his early morning coffee at the Public Market Painitan to listen to the lively discussions among the early morning patrons. They may be half-awake but they do have strong views about it especially former Gov. Petit Baldado followers vs. the Solis group.
Well, this is the beauty of democracy. It provides for a venue for all arguments — pros and cons. Remember the often repeated phrase: “I disagree completely with your views but I will fight for your right to say it!”
We can agree to disagree, without meaning to be rude or disagreeable.
The whole idea of a Promenade is not new. We have to recall that former Mayor Felipe “Ipe” Remollo spent quite an amount to come up with a comprehensive City plan, with a new “uptown”, with computer simulations, promenades, about the projections regarding the City streets, and how to develop a new city center, in view of the of the growing populace, etc.
Mayor Chiquiting must know about these, or maybe he should review that comprehensive plan.
The Promenade suggestion should be studied well especially its impact on the other side streets or areas in the vicinity.
Many old timers, who have lived in the City before the advent of pedicabs, motorcycles, and many cars in our streets recall how clean and easy it was to walk around the City.
Time have changed, the size of our streets are the same, but somehow, there is an increased number of vehicles plying our City routes. Got it? Same street, more motor vehicles emitting carbon fumes!
Of course, we cannot discount the convenience that motor vehicles have given our residents so far, but we must admit that being caught in traffic or being about to be run over by a motorcycle or a speeding car on the pedestrian lane is no joke.
Do you know that shopping malls are built with the idea of a promenade —- a safe enclosed walking area around its stores?
Because we live in the same environment, inhaling the same air and coping with the ever-growing traffic jams, there are sectors who have formulated the suggestion of the Promenade, and if you disagree, that’s fine.
But this is a start; we have to address this issue now. Let the public discussion begin. Istoryahi!
