by Nicasio Angelo Agustin
There are places that can manage to grow faster than others. Most of these places are the natural and historical growth centers or hubs. In the Philippines, there are the Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Davao City. They are the so-called primate “cities” or urban places in the country.
Metro Manila serves as model for growing cities – a model of best practices worth replicating in some other cities, and a model of worst and lamentable situations to avoid. On the whole, however, it remains as the country’s dominant showcase of advancement and the main center of opportunities and possibilities.
The growth of Metro Cebu followed the pattern of growth of Metro Manila, albeit in a faster and more dynamic manner. What is good about Cebu City and Metro Cebu is that they applied most of the lessons learned from the experiences of Metro Manila and other key cities worldwide. Thus, they were able to avoid some traps and pitfalls of urbanization. Metro Cebu has also allowed market forces to operate while the local governments exist to correct market failures and inefficiencies. In a sense, their own strengths are reinforced while new and correct measures and directions are constantly provided. It is not a perfect place yet but Metro Cebu, particularly Cebu City, has clearly put itself in the map the way it is right now. Cebu is Cebu period.
Davao City, on the other hand, remains as the third primate city in the country. Whether a far or a close third to Cebu, it doesn’t really matter. It has its own brand of progress and development – distinct and unique to its socio-cultural and political settings. Yet, as the presumed leader of development in Mindanao, it has to play its role well. It has to project itself not in the way its political leaders paint Davao City to be, but how key development players and stakeholders, such as the business and the civil society, would actually see it.
Development is traditionally measured by esoteric indicators and statistics. However, real development is something that can be felt and seen. It is not something that can be announced, proclaimed or claimed; it simply becomes apparent and self-evident. At the end of the day, development is something that one cannot hide; it manifests itself in many forms – pleasant to the senses.
In bringing about development, the roles of the business sector and civil society are critical. They also serve as the ultimate indicator of satisfied constituents, investors, service providers and service beneficiaries. They are very sensitive to the signals of opportunities and relevance. Their radar can likewise detect risks and danger to investments and other economic ventures. The message is that the government must provide the safe environment in which the development players can operate and bring about sustainable growth and development.
Gone are the days when growth could be left to the normal wave of trade and commerce. As can be seen, many cities have taken strong position and have taken great strides to prove that they can also be dominant or be the leaders of their own. Their common denominator is the shared vision between the concerned local governments and the private sector (business and civil society). They have that mutual respect to allow one to correct the failures of the other. That is efficiency working to the advantage of both and, consequently, benefitting the whole society.
Soon enough, primacy in progress and development will no longer be determined by how cities were in the past. Very soon, primacy will just become part of the history unless there is that expressed and apparent determination to take necessary bold actions that go beyond mere palliative and disjointed solutions to basic social and economic problems. Do something more. Attract more investments. Build and strengthen infrastructure support facilities so that business can thrive. Construct more buildings and facilities to meet prospective business demands and requirements. Industrialize. Carve your economic niche. Create your own brand.
The bottomline: clearly, it is a game that private sector can excellently play! The challenge is how to make them play on your home court.
