#FtoMroadsNOW!

We got Councilor Elipe’s word. In 6 weeks, we should see the Farm-to-Market Road authorization approved. 

Of course as expected, he enumerated the alleged delay of some paper requirements from the executive branch such as an Investment plan. He also cited a COA report that disallows the use of continuous funds so it could not be “easily” charged there. This is contrary to news reports that the DPWH and DA have already attested in the committee hearings that all documents are ready and the only thing lacking is the City Council’s authorization. This is also contrary to the practice of the previous administration. He countered this by saying that those are the requirements as far as their agency is concerned but not the city council’s thus another set of requirements are necessary. He also mentioned the elimination of the PDAF also helped delay the program.

However, We do not intend to dive into the nuances and intricacies of this issue. What we only demand is a time plan for its approval and if things will go smoothly, then it would be approved. In his word – not more than 6 weeks from today.

The Oro Chambers and the Archdioceses were invited but unfortunately they were not able to come. It would have been a more fruitful dialogue with their presence.

This is a breakthrough for the Oro Youth Development Council in particular and youth activism in the local context in general. With a simple written letter, we, the young people, were able to get the attention and dialogue face-to-face with political power. It is also a statement in our part that youth involvement is not and should not be limited to just organizing feeding programs and tree planting but it should dive in the how decisions of the community are being made.


To sum, public opinion is fundamentally a play of perception. The mere fact that we have come to this point where ordinary citizens are demanding for an explanation from their representatives is already a manifestation of disappointment and frustration on the slow movement of this vital project. We would not be pointing fingers.

We just want it done with. The farmers are waiting and we have a future to build.

#FtoMroadsNOW!