Unrest. The year began with not one, but two prominent active volcanoes spewing from within: Mayon at Alert Level 3 and Kanlaon at Alert Level 2.

For people with active imaginations, these volcanoes joining the other two that have been grumbling for a while (Taal and Bulusan at Level 1) is a clear reflection of the people’s sentiments. Filipinos are rumbling from within, their patience wearing thin.

Just imagine how long they have waited for real progress. For an embarrassingly long time, this waiting has yielded not only substandard roads and bridges, but invisible ones too.

In the Bicol region alone, main roads like the Maharlika Highway in Camarines Sur are only getting attention after one of its congressmen drew attention to the neglect. Known as the Pan-Pacific Highway, Maharlika is the country’s longest road network, spanning Ilocos Norte to Zamboanga.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under Secretary Vince Dizon has announced its intention to rehabilitate this road, but coming from a highly publicized controversy involving officials slipping their dirty hands into infrastructure funding, people may just find it hard to believe.

Comments from a shared post announcing the planned rehab of the Camarines Sur part of the highway drew plenty of Bicolano ire. Many derided the lack of “malasakit” of the congressmen from Districts 1 and 2, which they say are most affected by the neglect, as it was the representative of District 3 who had to take the matter before the public. Apparently, the young guns representing their districts are not too well-respected by their constituents, based on the comments.

Apparently, Bicol politicians are getting closer scrutiny from their region-mates, especially those who are disgusted by the involvement of two particularly high-profile pols who are now missing in action. Talk about a shameful turn of events!

This is also why those lauding the present crop of young politicos who recently entered Congress should exercise more caution. Let us see what they can do first before we prop them up on pedestals. Like Maharlika, the road is long for them yet. Remember the time when certain young and promising House leaders were basking in public approval, but eventually they showed their true colors.

As we continue to hold our breath for real progress — both in the flood control investigations by the ICI and the highway rehabs planned by the DPWH which has much to prove to regain our trust — the volcanoes will grumble for the horde.

Mayon was calm on the last day of 2025. I know because I was there. The road was smooth to Sto. Domingo where the family mausoleum is located, the day pleasant with bright sun and cool air, the way Decembers used to be in my childhood.

I have no memory of intense, deadly typhoons then, where houses could be inundated with raging floodwaters, but I remember earthquakes. These were never that scary then, either.

Perhaps the world was kinder then, the people more connected to each other. These days, our planet is giving humankind plenty of warnings to get its act together. Otherwise, the ground beneath our feet will keep shaking, crumbling and not just literally.