It was better 25 years ago

A good friend who owns a resort in Sabang wrote this email to me –

Hi Noe,

2018 and look where we are going… backwards. I know the Mayor is trying his best, he must be getting frustrated as well.
First they hire a road contractor that has no real machinery… the 3 month road fix is now at its 14th month.
Then they hire water contractor … places in sabang haven’t’ (had) water for 4 months now.
Then the DENR try to get businesses to self destruct (suicide bombers).
Then they hire another contractor to put approx 6800 holes in the road and left it that way.
Then they stop public boats to Batangas… now it could take 7 hours from Manila to Sabang if you don’t get ripped off by tricycle drivers for 250 pesos just to rattle your bones over 6800 holes.
Now they look like they will renege on the last meeting where they said private boats are ok, now it seems they are after them now and (will) close Berberabe … how many families will be affected?
Coast Guard said they would put pontoons at Batangas pier for speed boats… never happened.
Then the DENR are around looking for discharge permits permits to operate a generator.
Then the BFP have come up with a new one … if you have more then 6 burners you must have a hood and automatic fire suppressant over the burners (worth) over 370,000 pesos.
(It was) better 25 years ago”

The only reply I can tell my friend is “C’est la vie.”
I am not a dreamer but I see things differently than what is the prevailing thought of people who have had enough of broken promises and unfinished projects.
Having been born here and having access to information from the decision makers, I tend to be more optimistic. I believe that the near future will be much better. That the only way is upwards and there are great opportunities that are coming our way.