Why are Cebuanos lukewarm to federalism?
My informal surveys in Cebu indicate that if a plebiscite is conducted right now among Cebuano voters, the proposal will most likely lose. In Cebu City, likely only 35 percent will vote for it, 55 percent oppose it, and the rest are non-committal. In the province, likely only 20 percent will vote for it and 60 percent won’t. The rest do not care or do not know about it. What is DILG doing to educate the masses? Could this be caused by the LP city mayor and LP governor?
If you ask a farmer, a small landowner, a fisherman, or a storeowner in the province they will just grin or shake their head. Either they consider the issue irrelevant or really do not know its implications. The reason for such disinterest and lack of enthusiasm is plain and simple; because nobody explained the nuances of federalism to them in a manner they can understand and appreciate. That is the first reason why federalism will most likely be rejected in Cebu, when the administration ignores the need for more information and education on the issue.
Urban centers can have a more enlightened citizenry because of their exposure to mass media and internet. If you ask an elementary student, a high school teacher, a college faculty member, or even a holder of a doctorate degree in philosophy, humanities or pedagogy in Cebu City, do you think they can engage you in a high quality of discourse? You might feel disappointed to say the least. Not because they do not understand the meaning and implications of federalism. In fairness, they do in varying degrees perhaps. But, to put it bluntly, these intelligentsia do not really embrace the concept and the idea of federalism as the answer to this nation’s problems. That is the second factor causing the lukewarm reception to federalism in Cebu.
What about politicians? If you ask a barangay captain, an SK member, or even a mayor in the province, or a member of the Lower House, what will you get? Maybe they can lecture you on the concept, mechanics, and intricacies of federalism in different levels of sophistications. But by their body language, you can tell that they do not really consider the issue a matter of utmost importance, much less of high degree of relevance. Ask any member of the House from Cebu, if you wish to validate this. Only about half of them seem to be excited about the idea, just to try something new. I have a feeling the stand of former chief justice Hilario Davide Jr. has influenced Cebuanos. Many of them think if it does not get the support of Davide, why would it matter to us?
I challenge DILG to prove me wrong. The only high degree of support comes from the Law students of San Carlos, San Jose, UC, UV, SWU, and USP. These are the probable resource persons that DILG and Malacañan should tap to campaign for support. If the federalism proponents do not act with a high sense of urgency and focus, I can tell them right to their faces now: Federalism will be rejected by the Cebuanos.
- Latest
