CAGAYAN de Oro 1st District Rep. Lordan Suan said he hopes President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. will highlight the flood control project for Cagayan de Oro during his State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 28.
Speaking at a project turnover last Tuesday, July 22, in Kauswagan National High School, Suan noted that Cagayan de Oro has long suffered from flooding, even during light rains. He mentioned that the President has previously spoken about flood control projects for the city.
“Kay lagi dili na nato gusto ma utro ang Sendong,” he said.
Suan acknowledged that it is a significant and lengthy undertaking, but expressed hope that the President would mention it in his address.
“Kanang flood control project, bug-at kaayo na nga project, kay kinahanglan masumpay tanan. Kay kun dili gani, makasulod ra gyapon nang tubig,” he said, pointing out the need for continuous, multi-billion-peso funding.
However, Suan noted that given the government’s budget constraints, allocations for flood control compete with other necessary projects such as roads, streetlights, and school buildings.
“Maong gai apud-apud gyud, i-distribute gyud,” Suan said.
Meanwhile, former City Councilor George Goking said he wants the President to address Mindanao’s economic direction in his SONA.
Goking urged the President to avoid discussing politics, stating that with his term nearing its end, there is no clear direction for Mindanao.
“Whether left or right, wala ta’y paingnan, misdirected ang atong economy (in Mindanao),” Goking said.
Public sentiment on the Marcos administration’s performance ahead of the SONA appears mixed, with some residents giving low marks.
Jam Fernandez, a crafter from Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, gave Marcos a score of four out of 10. Fernandez said she has “fully (felt) the inflation” during his administration.
“Sa iya gyud administration nako na feel ang inflation, laganap ang drugs ug crime,” Fernandez said, expressing dismay that Marcos’ administration lacks a government program beneficial to all.
Bert Amplayo, a district spokesman for a local politician, also gave the Marcos administration a score of four out of 10. He described Marcos as a “puppet of the American regime,” dependent on Washington, D.C.
“Tuta siya sa mga kano! Allowing US military presence, freeloading sa atong mga kampo through (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) without payment despite the risks,” Amplayo said.
He called for Marcos to undergo a hair follicle test, asserting that Marcos exhibits weak leadership and is unable to control his family’s interference in state affairs.
“Iyang mga pamahayag sa mga issues are super vague and ambiguous. Taas storya, walay impact. Dal-un lang niya sa pa English-English,” a frustrated Amplayo said.
He also cited the unfulfilled promise of lowering rice prices to P20 per kilo, rampant drug issues, and an ineffective spokesperson.
Another government worker, Pau Pimentel, gave Marcos a two out of 10.
“Puro chaos ra iyang gi caused naa man galing nahimo gamay pero dili ma feel sa tao,” Pimentel said.
For his part, Iglesia Filipina Independiente Bishop Felixberto Calang gave Marcos a rating of three out of 10.
“Para nako, three. Kay wala man gihapon kalamboan ang kinabuhi sa mga ordinaryo nga katawhan,” Calang said, citing the continued struggle of ordinary citizens despite “empty promises and useless policies.”
He added: “Giapektuhan gihapon sa inflation ug nagkataas nga presyo sa mga palaliton, labaw na ang basic needs.”
