Kalibo’s Chance to Prove Good Governance

By: Guillermo Sumbiling

Across the country, citizens are demanding accountability as the flood control controversy shakes public trust in government spending. Wasteful projects and poor planning have raised serious questions at the national level, and people are calling for greater honesty and transparency from their leaders.

Here in Kalibo, the response of our local government has been encouraging. The Mayor and Vice Mayor have openly joined the cause of good governance and transparency, setting a positive example at a time when integrity in public service is most needed. Their leadership has given the community hope and has been rightly praised.

Yet good governance must be proven not just in words, but in real outcomes. Citizens continue to raise concerns over unfinished or underutilized developments such as the nearly 10-hectare government center in Barangay Nalook, the long-standing challenges of the Kalibo Public Market, and other infrastructure projects whose implementation has stalled or fallen short of expectations. These visible reminders of waste and inefficiency cannot be ignored.

If Kalibo is to be a true model of good governance, local leaders must confront these concerns openly. People deserve to know what went wrong, how resources were used, and what concrete steps will be taken to finish projects and make them serve the community as intended.

At the same time, the present leadership has a unique opportunity. By tackling these issues head-on—with transparency, accountability, and action—they can transform these projects from symbols of failure into proofs of reform.

Kalibonhons are ready to support leaders who deliver on their promise. With firm commitment and decisive leadership, Kalibo can truly show that good governance is not only a pledge but a living reality—where public resources are used wisely, and every project uplifts the people it was meant to serve.