COMMENTARY – Did you know that Malaybalay City was among those that borrowed a lot from the Philippine government in both 2007 and 2008? Yes, this piece of news took me by surprise as well.

According to the National Statistical Coordination Board or NSCB, Malaybalay City is among the top 10 cities that borrowed the most in 2008. The other cities were Muntinlupa, Cagayan de Oro, Olongapo, Mandaue, Tarlac, Makati, Sagay, Malabon and Meycauayan. As you can see, Malaybalay and CDO are the only cities in Mindanao that borrowed the most in 2008. Interestingly, Malaybalay and CDO are again the only two Mindanao areas included in the list of cities that borrowed the most in 2007. The list included Paranaque, Mandaue, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Pasay, Cadiz, Tarlac and Olongapo.

Naturally, I decided to consult former Malaybalay City Mayor now Bukidnon Second District Congressman Florencio Flores, Jr. Flores told Bukidnon Online that Malaybalay’s inclusion in the list may have been because of the controversial Malaybalay City Integrated Bus Terminal and Public Market (which, until now, still isn’t finished at all).

Which brings me to the million dollar question — what’s up with this project? When will this P225 Million complex be completed? If you guys remember, the contractor, Manila-based H.R. Lopez Construction, was given extensions when they weren’t able to finish the project by agreed upon phases – Phase 1 being the public market (this, by the way, is already open), Phase 2 being the terminal (the bus alleys still look the same to me) and Phase 3 being the commercial buildings area.

Most of the officials involved in this project have either left government service (the former city administrator, who was serving on a co-terminous basis, tried his luck and ran for a seat in the city council during the last elections. He lost) or have moved on to other roles (akin to Flores’ case). So one can’t help but wonder if the people will ever be given clear answers.

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