The Monday morning headline on SunStar today Monday Sept. 17 reads “Malls: Put off flyover work.
The plan is mall and business operators in the area have asked for a 3 extension, asking the proponents of the flyover to delay the start of construction, maybe until January so they will be able to take advantage of Christmas season revenue. It’s only fair, as from past experience… most businesses that are in an area where a flyover is being constructed… die. There are those that are able to stay in business but these are the ones which belong to bigger networks and who’s operational expense can be subsidized by their other branches. If you are a stand alone business… you might as well close shop, then re-open when the flyover is completed because business will be so BAD.
News Story Title: Flood Victim, 2, Found
Yesterday, the paper ran a story about a 2 year old boy that went missing after he chased after some friends who were out playing in the rain. We have had several downpours in Cebu City last week, real heavy rain which of course resulted in flooding in many city streets.
They did find that 2 year old boy…. however he drowned.
Investigations show that he had fallen through an OPEN manhole, it is like a man size doorway on the ground to the city’s sewer (as if it exists) system. This particular outlet was uncovered, and so the boy is presumed to have fallen into it, not being able to see it because of the flood. This is really sad and unfortunate, and my condolences go out to the family.
City officials have pledged support by extending financial assistance to the family for the burial, and in fact have called on local community officials to check on OPEN manholes in their communities.
Again, this is so “in the Philippines”, where people only react when tragedy occurs, and only then do they look for ways to prevent such accidents. From landslides, ships colliding at sea, to poorly constructed buildings caving in and crashing to the ground.. often resulting to the loss of life. These are but symptoms of what could probably be gross inefficiency of people concerned, simple neglect; or maybe a disregard for people’s safety.
News Story Title: Council asks Barangay Officials to enforce curfew on minors
This is just another cure to a symptom that has underlying causes that ought to be dealt with, yet this is still an act worth recognizing, but not fully applauding. I believe this to be a complicated issue, and instead of a simple curfew, the officials should institute parallel programs to curb prostitution like activities to strengthen values, skills training, and coming up with job opportunities. There is much more that can be done.
Imposing a curfew can be likened to putting up a protective dike when you see a rush of food water coming, you may stop the water where you had put up the dike, but the rushing water simply flows in another direction… and will not be contained.
In the past, prostitutes have been picked off the street, but they eventually are back on the streets in a couple of days.
What is cause for concern is the rise of child prostitution. The article does not mention these child prostitution hot spots…. but they need not look so far.
My sources have told me that these are common near the reclamation area, particularly in the vicinity of the international port. Some of the people of avail of these sex services are taxi drivers who just pull over. I am not making a sweeping conclusion, this is what we have gathered from sources. The best thing for the authorities to do is monitor this area… and all the other areas which are said to have been hang outs or pick up points for these abused children.
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