Discipline and accountability will solve problems
Posted on August 24, 2006 - Filed Under Punch Forum |
>Jeremias Andrade Carrera
24 August 2006
FLOODING PROBLEM SOLUTIONS:
With the numerous fantastic ideas and experts who are eagerly analyzing the problem of flooding in Dagupan, including the so-called “flood czar” Mr. Gines as the PCE addressed him, I have no doubt that the best solution will be found soon if there is a will by those in power. Traffic problem is like flooding problem. The solution to the traffic problem can be said in one sentence: Discipline the people to obey traffic rules first and then implement the necessary traffic improvements. The same thing must be done in solving the flooding. Discipline does not only mean disciplining the poor people but also the rich people and the politicians as well.
I visited the Philippines frequently after the big earthquake and I saw that the flooding problem was not because Filipino engineers do not have the knowledge to design and construct the proper drainage system that will solve the flooding problem but it is the problem of DISCIPLINE. DISCIPLINE means zero TOLERANCE AND LESS CORRUPTION and includes mayors, engineers, ordinary people stopping the construction of structures occupying the waterways aside from throwing garbage and subdividing the river (fish pens). When the construction of the drainage system was ongoing in Tapuac after the earthquake, I happened to be in front of Dr. Gaudencio Reyes’ clinic and it so happened that I was wearing my T-shirt with an engineering firm logo. The contractor’s engineering supervisor saw me, and although I was just looking at the construction without saying anything, he came to me and was explaining why it was being done that way. The culvert’s size had been reduced, the quality was sacrificed since there was almost no money left for proper construction because of SOP. He said this person (very popular name) got 15% even before the project was started, another got blah-blah blah, all the way down to the clerk who will hand carry the payment request for SIR’s signature. Actually, those corrupt politicians and implementors of projects do not want to solve the problems because projects generate SOP.We can offer the brightest ideas like what the PCE was THINKING ABOUT, but first the major problem must be dealt with first. Or else the project funds will be eroded by the SOP. GMA’s promise to stop corruption is always in the “ignition or start mode”, not even on the “first gear” after so many years that she is in power. Filipino engineers abroad are doing great projects all over the world, and I believe those ENGINEERS in the Philippines are as much capable to do the same GREAT PROJECTS ONLY IF THERE IS DISCIPLINE. Those engineers will not say “PUEDE NA YAN” if they know that they will go to jail or maybe even to the gas chamber had GMA not follow the dictates of her bleeding heart.
Some of the so-called columnists are also great contributors to the state of CORRUPTION in the Philippines because they do not write about these corrupt politicians and most of what we read is about the glossy news like the so-called WORLD CLASS PROJECTS-MGA PAPOGI LANG DAHIL NAGBABAYAD SI SIR. WHAT A WAY TO EARN A LIVING. I hope what I am stating here is not an abuse of PRESS FREEDOM. I am still hopeful though that efforts of Ermin Garcia Jr. and his late father who died doing what is right, will have a lasting effect to better the lives of the Filipino people and the other columnists will follow their noble creed.
Comments
Leave a Reply
