The move of the city government to prioritize the road network before all the other development programs are concerned is a step in the right direction. Indeed, one of the tragedies of our time was the lack of foresight among officials who cannot see beyond their noses. Engrossed with the mundane tasks of keeping the bureaucracy afloat, they overlook the urgent concern of preparing for the future and the growth that it brings. Like human beings, local governments grow regardless of the efforts of the people at its helm. It does not take a political scientist to notice that, at the very least, the increase in population will bring about a growth regardless of the performance of local executives.

Growth in size of course does not necessarily mean improvement. A lot of people grow physically but did not experience a similar growth mentally, emotionally and psychologically. This is why we have individuals who may be adults physique-wise but still children or even infants psychologically and emotionally. It is the same with local governments. There are many places that are teeming with people and crammed with structures but obviously unprepared for the growth that they are experiencing. The best way to prevent that from happening is to plan ahead. Long before the signs of growth emerge, there must a conscious and deliberate effort to chart the direction that a place is going.

Tagbilaran started right. A casual glance at the map will show that the area from the Rizal Park up to Belderol street is well structured. It shows an orderly lay-out that can only come from meticulous planning. Unfortunately, the city was not prepared for the rapid growth in size and population. New neighborhoods sprouted everywhere and before we knew it the city was bursting at the seams. There is no use crying over spilled milk. The prudent thing to do is to prevent things from going out of hand. The city must take hold of itself, make an inventory of its resources and, before it falls off the cliff, decide where it will go. For a start, a comprehensive road network will ensure that development will not exceed the city's carrying capacity – at least as far as traffic is concerned. The more roads, the less stressful it will be for the populace. People should realize that preparations are needed to ensure quality growth. Defining the growth parameters and putting them in place starts right now. Moving forward starts with looking forward.