Consolacion mayoral bet vows to address traffic

CEBU, Philippines — After a fifteen-year hiatus from politics and public governance, former Councilor Blessilda “Bingol” Villo is making a comeback, this time running for the position of local chief executive in Consolacion town, northern Cebu, in the upcoming May 12 elections.

In her latest appearance on The Freeman’s special election segment "Know Your Candidate," Villo said she decided to run for office due to unfulfilled commitments, which she claims have left the town lagging in progress despite being recognized as the richest municipality in Cebu province.

“Lahi na gyud kaayo ang development sa atoang lungsod ug daghan gyud kaayong mga reklamo nga among madunggan ug madawat nato nga mga reklamo sa katawhan nga wala sila kauyon sa nahitabo sa Consolacion.”

Villo said that this has prompted her and her councilorial slate, Usa Consolacion, composed of seasoned leaders, to come together and unite to stand for the people.

The mayoral candidate, who has been a public servant for 23 years, believes that the town has been overtaken by neighboring municipalities in terms of development.

Town’s traffic problem

Traffic congestion in Consolacion has become a growing concern for both locals and commuters, and Villo attributed this problem to poor planning and a lack of proper management.

She criticized the presence of concrete barriers along major roads, including one that obstructs access to the town’s fire station.

According to the candidate, these barriers contribute to unnecessary congestion and delay emergency responses.

“Wala nila na studyohi kung unsay angay nga solution anang traffic. Moingon sila alternative routes, existing naman nang alternative route,” Villo noted.

As an immediate remedy, she suggested removing these barriers, improving traffic signage, and enforcing stricter traffic regulations. She also stressed the need for designated bus and jeepney stops, pedestrian lanes, and a clear truck ban to alleviate congestion.

If elected, Villo plans to create the Consolacion Traffic Commission, composed of representatives from the executive branch, the Sangguniang Bayan, the private sector, and other stakeholders.

“Mora’g meeting of the minds on how to really solve the problem,” said Villo, who said that the current traffic management system is a “one-man show”, but should have proper consultation to implement sustainable changes.

“Walay tarong na traffic signs, walay bus stop, jeepney stop, walay klarong pedestrian lanes,” she added.

Reclamation: “not in favor”

Villo also said she is not in favor of reclaiming 235.8 hectares of foreshore land in Barangay Tayud in partnership with the municipal government.

She said the project would have a significant environmental impact, especially on the barangay where the proposed reclamation is supposed to take place.

She added that aside from environmental concerns, the area is presently occupied by the shipyard industry.

Villo stated that the reclamation should not proceed because businesses have been operating in the area for more than 30 years, generating revenue for the town.

“In fact, usa gali na sa nakapadato sa lungsod sa Consolacion,” said Villo.

She also expressed concern that many employees working at the shipyard, some of whom have been there for years, would lose their jobs if the reclamation pushes through.

“Asa man sila padung? Mao na atong pangutana kung papahawaon ang mga shipyard dinha,” said Villo.

She suggested that if reclamation is necessary, there are other areas in the town that could be developed without affecting existing industries.

Aside from the shipyard industry, Villo pointed out that the project would also negatively impact fisherfolk who rely on Consolacion’s coastal areas for their livelihood.

She claimed that if the project moves forward, more than 1,000 families in Barangay Tayud would be affected. However, she emphasized that there are other areas in the barangay that are not occupied by the shipyard industry where reclamation could take place instead.

The mayoral aspirant added that 235 hectares is too large, and if she is elected mayor, she would consider reducing the scale of the reclamation.

She also proposed focusing on the development of mountain barangays instead of coastal areas. Villo emphasized the need for thorough studies before proceeding with any development to ensure compliance with the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Healthcare, education

Apart from the pressing issues, among Villo’s top priorities is addressing the town’s healthcare system to better serve its constituents.

With a population of around 161,000, Villo claims that Consolacion currently has only two government doctors, resulting in long queues at the town’s health center. Patients often line up at dawn just to secure a priority number for medical consultations.

“Moadto sila sa sentro, kinahanglan sila molinya og kaadlawon aron makakuha silag numero kay naay priority number,” said Villo.

She insisted that healthcare should be prioritized in the municipal budget, which stands at nearly one billion pesos annually.

She also highlighted the lack of a municipal scholarship program, which she aims to introduce if elected to support financially struggling students.

Additionally, she plans to enhance support for public schools by providing better classroom facilities, comfort rooms, and teaching resources.

She also emphasized the importance of implementing a feeding program in elementary and high schools to improve student nutrition and academic performance.

A vision for cityhood and tourism

Discussing development further, Villo sees the potential for Consolacion to become a city in the future.

While the current administration is still working toward cityhood—which requires meeting at least two of the three qualifications: land area, population, and income—Villo pledged to accelerate the lobbying and push for Consolacion to attain city status if she is elected.

She also envisions Consolacion as a future tourist destination.

Villo pointed out that the town has significant potential, but its tourist attractions have not been fully utilized.

One of her proposed projects is to transform the mangrove areas in Barangays Tayud, Tugbongan,

Nangka, and Jugan into an eco-tourism park with a boardwalk and restaurant.

She noted that if more tourists visit, local residents will have opportunities to engage in businesses catering to the tourism industry.

“Dako kaayo ang mangrove sa lungsod pero wala na develop for so many years,” she lamented.

Aside from enhancing coastal tourism, Villo also aims to support businesses in the mountain areas of the town.

If elected, she vows to implement infrastructure projects such as widening roads in rural areas to improve accessibility for tourists and business owners alike.

Additionally, she promised to provide a stable power supply, which she stressed is essential for businesses to thrive. —/ATO (FREEMAN)