FOUR retired “seniors”, residents of Bacolod and Iloilo cities, joined us for lunch recently. The exchange of ideas was a good exercise for our brains.
One’s brain must never retire.
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“Visit a town or city. Chances are high that its public market is dilapidated,” said a retired banker.
“Local officials never care at all to have clean, well-maintained public markets,” a retired teacher butted in.
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“Public markets seem to be the most neglected area in local governments’ priorities,” according to the banker.
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A golfer revealed: “I only know of one public market that is very clean – the Marikina City public market. The floor is clean, not messy and stinking. The drainage system is working. If Marikina can do it, why can’t the other local governments?”
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“We dream that someday local elective politicians will expand their brains and realize the importance of having a sanitary public market,” said a retired government worker.
He added: “Make a guess…when was the last time your public market’s floor was hosed clean by a fire truck?”
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The discussion of the four retired “seniors” segued to Iloilo City.
Iloilo City is working hard to make itself the preferred venue for meetings and conventions.
Stakeholders such as hotels and other tourism-related businesses are supportive.
Mayor Jerry Treñas is also moving heaven and earth to make Iloilo City the preferred destination of travelers.
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More innovations would be introduced to the world-famous Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City.
Good move. Tourists need to see new and exciting Dinagyang features.
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Transforming the old Iloilo airport into a business district is now reaping rewards for Iloilo City. The metropolis is growing exponentially.
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This column greets Marlon Navarro, Natalie Lim, Junel Divinagracia, Cleofe Albiso, Mae Panes, Nico Velasquez, Boyet Ortaliz, Peter Po, Toti Querubin, Troy Camarista, Jane Javellana, Nelson Polido, Harold Geronimo, and Ariston MInez Jr./PN
