By Nycel Jane Dela
Growing up in a small city like Roxas might seem uneventful to some, but to me, it is where big dreams are quietly being built. Sure, we’re not Metro Manila, Cebu or Iloilo. We don’t have towering buildings or endless nightlife. But what we do have is space to grow, a sense of peace, and a community that actually sees you.
One of the things I truly appreciate about Roxas is how it’s slowly becoming bigger, brighter, and better. There are more youth programs now, such as scholarships, seminars, and livelihood training. Local leaders are starting to notice that investing in young people is smart governance. And I’m here for it.
And the vibe? Less traffic. Clean seas. Fresh seafood everywhere. I mean, where else can you have grilled oysters by the beach without burning a hole in your wallet? These things may sound small, but they make life feel lighter. It’s hard to chase dreams when you’re stuck in traffic or drowning in stress. In Roxas, we get to breathe.
But dreaming big in a small city still has its challenges. Sometimes, opportunities feel out of reach. Many young people still leave for Manila or abroad just to chase better jobs or education. And honestly, I can’t blame them. But what if we didn’t have to leave? What if more companies invested here? What if we build more schools, tech hubs, and creative spaces right in our city?
This is where local governance comes in. Good leaders make a big difference. When mayors and councilors actually listen, things change. Roads get fixed, the internet improves, job fairs pop up. It’s all connected. The more our leaders support our dreams, the more we’ll stay, grow, and give back.
At the end of the day, “Small City, Big Dreams” is not only a nice phrase, but a mindset. It means believing that greatness can come from quiet corners. That success isn’t only found in skyscrapers but also in small markets, classrooms, or fishing boats.
Roxas City may be small, but the dreams we have here? They’re huge. And with the right push from our leaders and belief in ourselves, we might just surprise the world.
