AS I drove through the streets of Dumaguete recently, something once again caught my eye — something we’ve all seen countless times, and perhaps have grown too used to – the unsightly mess of electrical and communication wires dangling like vines from streetlight posts.
They’re everywhere — sagging cables draped across intersections, twisted bundles clinging to poles, forgotten strands hanging loosely above roads, sidewalks, markets, and even school grounds. Some droop so low they flirt dangerously with passing vehicles or pedestrians. Others appear abandoned, lifeless but still hanging on, adding to the visual chaos above us.
This isn’t a new problem. It’s been part of the cityscape for years. But the question remains: Why is this still acceptable? More importantly, why hasn’t anything been done about it?
More than just an eyesore
To be clear, this isn’t simply a matter of aesthetics, though the visual impact is undeniable. Dumaguete is known as a university town, a hub for eco-tourism, and a destination for international visitors and retirees. Yet time and again, tourists point out the mess above our heads. Locals, too, shake their heads in frustration, used to the sight but not at peace with it.
But beyond appearances, these tangled cables present a very real public safety hazard. Unmaintained and exposed wires have been known to spark fires, cause brownouts, or worse — lead to accidental electrocution. In a city where motorcycles whiz past close to sidewalks, and children walk to school on narrow paths, it’s not hard to imagine a worst-case scenario.
The problem isn’t unique — but others are taking action
Other cities in the Philippines are already tackling this problem head-on. Baguio City launched a massive cleanup drive to declutter its poles and restore a safer, cleaner skyline. Davao City has implemented and enforced strict cable management protocols. In parts of Metro Manila, local governments and private utilities are now working together to move wires underground, especially in high-density or high-tourism zones.
So again, we must ask: Why not Dumaguete? What are we waiting for — a fire? A serious injury? A tourist’s viral complaint that shames us into action?
Who’s responsible?
This isn’t a blame game, but it is about accountability. The problem lies in the hands of multiple stakeholders: power distributors, telecommunications companies, cable TV providers, and internet service firms. All of them use the same poles, often layering their wires one over the other. When lines become obsolete or out of use, many are simply left behind — unmarked, unlabeled, forgotten.
No single entity claims full responsibility. And without clear regulation or enforcement, the mess just grows, year after year.
This is precisely where the local government needs to step in — to lead, coordinate, and enforce.
What needs to happen
A long-term, sustainable solution requires action on several fronts:
- Audit and assessment: Conduct a city-wide inventory of all overhead cables. Identify which wires are active, and which can be safely removed.
- Ordinances and enforcement: Pass local laws that mandate utility companies to organize, label, and maintain their cables. Impose penalties for noncompliance.
- Partnerships: Convene regular meetings between LGU officials and utility providers to align on responsibilities and cleanup schedules.
- Future-proof planning: Begin developing a phased plan for underground wiring in key areas — especially near schools, public markets, hospital zones, and tourism corridors like Rizal Boulevard and heritage streets.
Let’s not wait for a disaster
Dumaguete prides itself on being a center for education, innovation, and community. But a truly progressive city doesn’t ignore the hazards hanging over its people.
Let’s not normalize this literal web of neglect. Let’s not wait until an accident forces us into reaction mode. The time to act is now.
A call to action
To our city officials: Please make this a priority. Lead the way, legislate, and enforce.
To utility companies: Step up. Clean up your mess. Be part of the solution, not the problem.
To fellow citizens: Speak up. Bring it up in barangay assemblies. Post about it. Talk to your councilors. Push for accountability.
Dumaguete deserves better. Our skyline deserves better. Let’s untangle this problem before it tangles us in something much worse.
Clean streets aren’t enough if the danger still hangs above us.
