Cebu’s hosting stint

By some chance, Cebu is hosting four national events organized by the Department of Education. Yesterday, the National Schools Press Conference and the National Festival of Talents opened in Carcar City and Naga City, respectively. Today marks the opening of the learners' convergence and the long-awaited Palarong Pambansa. Once again, everyone's eyes are on our hometown, and every possible visitor related to these events would want to set foot on the stage.

We aren't surprised. This isn't the first time that Cebu has hosted national events. In fact, it has even welcomed foreign delegates for big international meetings such as ASEAN and APEC. Of course, these events have also been accompanied by controversies regarding how the hosts spent for organizing them. These are different stories to tell. For this year, there might be a few hiccups along the way.

For example, there are already photos circulating on social media showing alleged damage to parts of the newly-renovated Cebu City Sports Center. Although these are just speculations, it does appear that a portion of the rubberized track was not properly attached to the flooring. Aside from that, there are no other comments. Let's just hope it stays that way.

I'd like to commend the Philippine National Police for beefing up their security days before the actual events. They have deployed their best officers along with other partner agencies to ensure that nothing untoward happens. Beat patrol officers are also visible in the busy streets of the Metro. It's such a relief that, even for a brief period, we can feel safe due to their physical presence.

Credit goes to the local government unit and the local counterparts of the Department of Education. They have worked tirelessly to put up a spectacular show. There have been late nights of meetings, setups, and practices just to ensure that spectators truly see what Cebu is made of. Simply put, it's about stepping forward and making a mark in national history.

We can address the mishaps and errors later, maybe after everyone has returned home. The goal is to ensure that organizers provide delegates with a one-of-a-kind experience. They must not forget what they experienced in Cebu and how warmly they were welcomed. The bid was given to Cebu for a reason and I hope it is not related to a political angle.

I also hope that the hosting stint is worth it. Locals are the most affected, as more visitors mean busier streets, shops, and restaurants. Prices may also skyrocket due to demand, making it more of a hassle than a convenience. Not to mention, public funds were used in the administration of the different events. This is money that comes from our taxes.  If we can see the fruits of their hard work reflected in economic gains for the cities and towns accommodating these visitors, then it would be worth another shot. This is Cebu's chance to announce to everyone that we are not just a province; we are a powerhouse.