VIRAC, Catanduanes - Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte made a risk amidst a brewing storm when he decided to push through with the last leg of his ‘Listening Tour’ scheduled Sunday, July 5, at Plaza Rizal in Virac, this province.
Despite flight cancellations made by major air transportation companies Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific Airways (CebPac) due to inclement weather, the city mayor made a heroic deed which local residents appreciated when he arrived at 2pm on the same day.
He hopped on a light aircraft to transport him and his entourage to Virac to fulfill a promise to be with the thousands of people waiting for him.
He was met at the airport by local government officials led by Gov. Araceli Wong, some municipal mayors, members of the clergy, non-governmental organizations and the Bicol Federalism Movement group headed by provincial convenor, lawyer Susan Ordinario.
The weather was uncooperative, with typhoon signals of tropical storm “Egay” hoisted by PAG ASA over parts of Northern Luzon.
Egay triggered heavy rains and gusty winds along the Eastern Seaboard of Luzon including Catanduanes. Sea transportation from mainland Bicol was suspended by the authorities but the inclement weather did not stop Duterte from pursuing the trip.
Meanwhile, Dante Jimenez of the Bicol Autonomy Movement (BAM), together with other federalism advocates were on-board the Cebu Pacific flight to Virac on the same day but were not able to make it to Catanduanes when aircrafts bound for the island province were advised to return to Manila due to the prevailing weather conditions.
Duterte has been going around the country for the past few months to push for a federal system of government as an alternative to the present unitary presidential form. He laid down the advantages which could be enjoyed by citizens outside of Metro Manila even while he listened to the people about their outlook on the issue.
He took note of the major problems at hand and consolidated them
Duterte said he sees a brighter resolution to the various concerns presented should a federal system be put in place which will decentralize the system of governance in the country.
BAM which is changing its name to ‘Bicol Federalism Movement (BFM)’ has been pushing through the years, for this advocacy which jives with the concept of ‘federalism’.
“With this development, BAM-BFM, as one group, supports the move for a federal form of government for the country. Aside from having a brighter prospect for peace in Mindanao, this federal system of governance will be greatly advantageous for the Regions,” said BAM regional convenor Jimenez.
He explained this in terms of retaining local resources to benefit first the local residents as against the present presidential system in which Manila decides for the regions as to who should be on top priority.
“It will be a big factor in hastening progress in the provinces”, Jimenez declared.
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