As Cebu City gears up to celebrate its 89th Charter Day today, 24 February, I am filled with both pride and frustration. We have a long and rich history worthy of commemoration. However, as we honor our past, we must also confront the stark realities of our present challenges, such as the traffic woes.

The contrast between festive celebrations and constant traffic woes is a stark reminder of the disconnect in our city’s priorities. It urges us to reflect on how our daily struggles are often overlooked amid the festivities.

As city officials prepare to lead a wreath-laying ceremony at Plaza Sugbo, it’s worth asking whether they fully understand the feelings of the people they represent. Beneath their cheerful demeanor, some individuals feel frustrated by their lack of accountability.

The lavish celebrations and the presence of dignitaries, like Governor Pamela Baricautro and various mayors, would feel like a pageantry of hypocrisy if many of their constituents are spending hours in unbearable traffic.

The declaration of 24 February as a special non-working holiday may provide relief for some individuals, but what about the daily commuters who cannot afford a day off?

While Cebuanos are invited to celebrate, they are also left to live in a city that has grown increasingly inhospitable. Our leaders may stand proudly at the podium, but it’s time they recognize that their lofty speeches about progress often ring hollow when residents face gridlock and frustration daily.

Enter the ambitious P199-billion coastal railway project, promising to connect Danao City to Carcar City. The main component of the plan is the 67.5-kilometer Metro Cebu Urban Mass Rapid Transit system. This extensive network will also feature a dedicated 25-kilometer line directly to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City.

The announcement of such a large project raises questions about its feasibility and timing. Will this plan genuinely address Metro Cebu’s traffic problems, or is it another ambitious plan that may struggle due to bureaucracy and inefficiency?

Cebuanos deserve more than hollow celebrations and empty promises. By holding our leaders accountable, we can ensure our city’s growth and push for urgent solutions to improve our quality of life.

Cebu is at a crossroads. Will we continue to honor a past filled with potential while ignoring a present that’s gridlocked and stagnant? Will we unite to demand change, accountability, and real progress? As we celebrate our city’s history, let’s also fight for its future.

Let us step forward with heavy hearts turned into steadfast resolve, binding our struggles and aspirations together. In doing so, we can ensure that tomorrow’s Cebu is not merely a reflection of bygone achievements, but a vibrant, thriving city, pulsing with life and possibility.