Late Sunday afternoon, I went to Lapu- Lapu City’s Mactan Island Resort to watch the Cobra Ironman 70.3 event with my sister, brother-in-law and their family. I saw many locals and foreigners walking from the hotel back to the city.
The resort was still full of activity when we left. Athletes and their supporters were still milling in the hotel waiting for their ride and fixing their gear.
The Ironman 70.3 was a tremendous boost to Cebu’s tourism industry and local economy. This is the reason that we continue to lobby for the continued hosting of the event for the next three years.
The success of the international triathlon has put Cebu, specifically Mactan island, in a good light especially now that Lapu-Lapu City is branding itself as a “historic, resort city”.
My only negative observation is that streets used for the bike race had potholes and uneven surfaces, which gave participants a hard time negotiating the road. But organizers took note of this and promised to have a better and safer competition next year. The Department of Public Works and Highways must do its part.
Everyone has to contribute to make the annual competition a success. Congratulations to the organizers and the host city for a successful Ironman 2014 despite the challenges in organizing a major event. I expect that given the chance for Cebu to host again, the next Ironman will certainly be a lot better.
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A Cebuano contestant of the Voice Kids narrated on national television that he visited Cebu Gov. Jun Davide and was given P100 as some sort of assistance.
Davide should not be criticized for giving the small amount. He was just being honest when he said he didn’t have much money to give.
This should be a lesson for everyone not to approach a politician expecting to get a handout. One reason politicians become corrupt and steal public funds is the pressure to keep up the deeply ingrained system of patronage politics which has people from all walks of life at their door asking for money.
We should not be offended by what Davide gave. We must thank him for being honest and not being corrupt.
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I am happy to see that everyone is trying to help solve the traffic problem in the Banilad-Talamban corridor.
Cebu City North District Rep. Raul del Mar and DPWH officials inspected the ongoing road-widening project in the Talamban area, specifically at the University of San Carlos.
Most people understand the rationale of the action and are now active participants in solving the traffic problem in the area.
Del Mar, who used to advocate building flyovers, supports the widening of roads, a solution preferred by Mayor Michael Rama.
Del Mar, after all, also wants to serve the interests and welfare of the people, being a veteran politician and a reasonable one.
I hope that more politicians of different affiliation follow suit and contribute to the solution of the traffic problem at the Banilad-Talamban corridor.
I expect Councilor Nestor Archival to do his part as well since he is also a resident of Talamban.
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