VISITING General Santos City after two years is a pleasant experience, despite the relentless heat, though I should be used to it by now. I see notable progress in such a short span of time. Of course, there’s the highly controversial Mabuhay Underpass that we drove past, which has faced a barrage of attacks, criticisms, and ridicule on various platforms for its unfinished state, the frustration it has caused commuters, and the exasperation it has brought to local businesses. I can only imagine the public outcry—since I wasn’t here—for three years. The burden the community has borne and continues to bear is no small feat.
And since we are talking evolution, I finally saw the paved two-lane Arradaza St. (Kalye Arradaza, for me, is the apt description considering what it represents: vast rice field, wide vegetable plantation, lush greenery) that connects to our subdivision! It is refreshing. Development has finally caught up with us. Can you imagine! Thirty years ago, this was merely an expanded embankment dividing two massive rice fields, where only motorcycles and the brave dared to drive, lest they fall to one side and lurch directly onto the wet rice field (depending on the season).
Over two decades ago, the embankment serving as a one-lane dirt road even witnessed a murder where the pitiable taxi driver was left inside the car with his vehicle parked on the left side of the dirt road facing the house.
In 2020, or about twenty-five years later, a floodway project was initiated to address the flooding that had plagued our subdivision for years. This involved concreting the embankment-cum-dirt road to cover the tunnel that now serves as a passage for the large volume of water from adjoining barangays rushing to the sea during heavy rains. As a result, a one-lane paved street was created, and motorists, including myself, began using it. However, driving was still challenging because, with oncoming traffic, you had to yield to passing vehicles and position yourself on the outermost side of the small road to avoid falling into the wide ditch.
It was also during this time that a fatal shooting incident happened in the area one night. I wanted to drive to the spot and witness as police vehicles approached and congregated, but I decided against it. After all, the road was tiny, it was dark, and cars were gathering around the spot, including those that simply passed and were unaware that a crime had just been committed.
During this construction phase, which ran smack into the COVID-19 pandemic, I witnessed several vehicles get stuck in the muddy road, preferring to use the tricky path while construction was ongoing.
The street—I tried to check the website of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of General Santos City for an Ordinance creating its name; however, I couldn’t find it—had its colorful history.
Still, I researched the origins of “Arradaza” to satisfy my curiosity. My research led me to https://sp.gensantos.gov.ph/barangays/barangay-lagao/, which indicated that in the 1967 Barangay local election, Leodegario Arradaza won and became the first-ever gentleman to be called “Barangay Captain of Lagao.” He served together with seven other Barangay Councilmen. Antonio C. Acharon, who became the first city mayor of General Santos, assisted Barangay Captain Arradaza in his infrastructure and livelihood projects. Given that, it is safe to assume that the street is named after him.
So, for now, I am asking the city government of General Santos about the timetable for providing streetlights to this relatively new street connecting to Gensanville that will address peace and security and the safety of commuters, riders, and motorists who use the route at night.
And finally, my good neighbors have asked me to highlight the garbage that has accumulated on the roadside of Arradaza, ouch! Unfortunately, it has become another garbage zone. What a pity! We are provided with a new road, and right away, we throw our garbage there. So Pinoy! No offense meant to the rest of the responsible citizens in the community. We call on the concerned barangay to implement clearing of the area, put up the rightful signage, and penalize those who are caught dumping their garbage there. It’s not only irresponsible; it’s unsanitary and unhealthy as well.
***
Woman Talk with Belinda Sales is taking a wellness break. You may send your email to belindabelsales@gmail.com. Follow us on X at @ShilohRuthie./PN
