ELECTION season is upon us, and with it comes the usual fare of political maneuvering and demolition. Even before the ballots are cast, we are already overwhelmed — bloated not with promises of progress but with negativity and division. What was once a city united in purpose now finds itself fractured, its people caught between opposing tides.
Davao does not deserve this. We are a city of discipline, respect, and hard work. We take pride in our ability to rise above the usual trappings of traditional politics. Here, vote-buying is not our culture, nor do we thrive on the patronage of the highest bidder. We work for what we eat, striving to provide for our families with dignity. We push our children to succeed, sending them to state universities or supporting them as they juggle part-time jobs in private institutions. Ours is a community built on perseverance, not handouts.
And yet, what do we see now? A city caught in a tug-of-war, where leadership is contested not on the merits of governance but on the weight of influence. What we need is a leader who will not tear us apart but will strengthen our foundations. Someone who will address our most pressing concerns — the worsening public transportation system, our deteriorating roads, our flood-prone streets, our unreliable internet connectivity, and, most importantly, the complacency of public officials who have long been asleep at the wheel.
I could write more, perhaps draft a recipe for change. But even the finest ingredients are useless without a capable cook. Davao does not need an empty promise; it needs a leader who can serve its people well — one who will not simply invite others to the table but ensure that there is something meaningful to share.
As election approaches, this is my hope: that the next leader of our city reads this, reflects on it, and understands the weight of the responsibility before them. Davao deserves not just a leader, but a steward — one who will nourish, protect, and uplift the people who call this place home.
May we be blessed with such a leader.
- George Evan Borinaga Cuadrillero
