by Estilito O. De Vera     

          Last December 21, 2009, the Supreme Court had reverted its previous decision on the constitutionality of the cityhood of 16 new cities which includes the City of Cabadbaran. As a Cabadbaranon myself this is actually one very good news we should all be happy about because this will mean a better future for Cabadbaran. Among the many other good things that may come along because of this recent victory, the big increase in our Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) from being a first class municipality to a component city will mean more money to fund projects and programs that will be benificial not only to the city but to our constituents as well.

          Humans as we are, different reactions came out from different sectors, some of which are positive and some are negative and there are even some that are destructive and demoralizing. This is a free country anyway, anyone can freely speak their mind and express whatever their thoughts are on certain issues. I guess the least we can do is respect them of their rights. But I believe there are better ways of expressing our thoughts in a way that we do not offend other people ’ s feelings.Wouldn ’ t it be better if we study the facts before we make our judgement and give our comments. We seem to be very hot on everything that we tend to expect drastic and immediate changes right away by just one click of our fingers.

          This is no magic show, this is reality and reality takes time. I am referring to all these comments of many people questioning what makes us deserving of our cityhood? What ’ s new with Cabadbaran after two years of being a city? How come problems that need immediate action are not yet addressed even to this day? What ’ s the action of the present leadership on unemployment and the lack of job opportunities in our city? These are just some of the long lists of questions in which I think the answers are all self-explanatory. We do not need an expert anymore to answer all our queries.

          Transparency in governance is truly encouraged by the present leadership of the city. Criticisms are well-taken may they be right or wrong, truth or fabricated, political or personal. The internet now has even become a very effective tool in expressing everyone ’ s thoughts and almost everything posted on shoutouts and blog spots whether it be over Cabadbaran Network Group or Cabadbaran Today are well-taken and appreciated. At least, this is a clear show that we still have people who care and people who vocally express their views on what ’ s wrong with our city and what they would want the government must do about all these.

           As the saying goes, everybody knows what ’ s wrong with our country but nobody knows what ’ s right. If we see problems, let ’ s also try to offer solutions and stop personal and political mudslingings. Issues must be dealt properly and maturely and not only because of our own personal interests. Well, hmmmm...I hope all these has nothing to do with the May, 2010 thing. But anyway, we are still a young city with a local chief executive who is a first-termer but is somehow equipped with the knowledge and leadership skills that I believe will surely help us in bringing forth the development and dreams that we have all aspired for Cabadbaran City.

          Everyone is working really hard so that we can bring change to better our city ’ s present condition. But let us also remember that the results will not be like mushrooms rapidly sprouting after a night of thunderstorms. It takes time and lots of proper planning and hard work. Instead of always complaining, why not give our present leaders enough time to do things that will bring out results that we have all expected. There are priorities to be made to answer all our concerns. Instead of complaining, let us all do our share on what we can do for Cabadbaran and never cease from giving our support to all the plans and programs of the City Government.

         There is still so much to be done and complaining will never help us. Let ’ s not allow our crab mentality to prevail in a time where there is a great call for our unity as a city and as Cabadbaranons. We have won the battle we have long fought for. What ’ s next? The answer lies not only in the hands of our leaders but also in each and every one of us if we truly love the City of Cabadbaran. Let ’ s us try to do our share that we can also be assets and not liabilities for our own good and for the good of all Cabadbaranons.