By Nycel Jane Dela
I was sitting in the front seat of a jeepney early in the morning, passing through the busy stretch between Paseo de Roxas and Lipunan (Trading Center). It’s a common route, familiar to many Capizeños. But that morning, something felt different, la–in gid ang Roxas subong.
The traffic was more chaotic than usual, the honking relentless, and on top of all that, a foul odor filled the air, like a mix of basura, pan-os nga isda, and frustration. It didn’t just ruin my morning, it reminded me of the growing pains of a city trying to modernize while still caught in old problems.
There’s a tug-of-war playing out in Roxas. On one hand, there’s undeniable progress. We see infrastructure projects, beautification efforts along Baybay, and events that bring tourists and income. On the other hand, we have issues that remain unsolved for years: poor traffic management, lack of public discipline, dirty surroundings, and a seeming lack of long-term urban planning.
Indi bala kahuluya man? We call ourselves the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines,” and yet, the public markets and roads near our central district often reek of decay. The problem is not just the smell, it’s what the smell represents. It’s neglect, both by the people and by the system that governs them.
To be fair, the local government is trying. Mayor Ronnie Dadivas and his team have been making efforts, road improvements, waste segregation programs, and revitalization projects in the city plaza. But is it enough? Or are these projects only skin-deep, good for photo-ops but not for sustainable change?
Basi kinahanglan sang mas matuod-tuod nga pagpanikasog. The city needs not just infrastructure, but culture change. People need to follow rules. Vendors should be regulated. Drivers need to respect traffic laws. Garbage should not just be collected, and it should be managed.
We also need more public dialogue. A city is not shaped by government alone, it is shaped by its people. So, while the LGU does its part, we, the citizens, must do ours. We can’t just complain from the front seat of a jeepney, we must act, speak, and demand better.
Because Roxas feels different. And that can either mean it’s changing for the better, or we’re getting used to the worse.
