We expect local government officials to warn their constituents—as they should —about the disastrous consequences to our cities, towns and communities should a major earthquake like the one that struck Bohol or a supertyphoon like “Yolanda” hit them.
But have they taken any significant action to prevent or minimize the death and destruction such calamities could inflict on their constituencies? If they are serious with their work, they should ban utility posts and require that all cables be installed underground. At the same time, they should expand the roads to improve traffic, provide emergency lanes and put up evacuation shelters to prepare for major calamities. They should also upgrade drainage systems to prevent floods and build sidewalks for pedestrians, joggers and cyclists. All these projects will save lives and properties and even modernize our communities.
—GONZALO B. MISA,
former barangay chair,
Barangay Blue Ridge A,
Quezon City