LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — Residents of Barangay Cagabacong in Legazpi City were left puzzled after a recently cemented road appeared less like a full reconstruction and more like a thin surface “topping.” Concerned citizens reported that the fresh concrete overlay seemed uneven and potentially substandard, raising questions about the quality of the ongoing road project.

According to local reports, several residents formally complained to barangay officials, prompting plans to summon the contractor for an explanation. While no official findings have yet confirmed negligence or violations, the incident has already ignited discussion among locals about accountability in public infrastructure projects.

At first glance, the situation may appear minor — a simple road repair dispute. But in reality, it reflects a recurring public concern: the trust gap between taxpayers and project implementers. Roads are among the most visible symbols of governance. People drive on them daily, and unlike reports or documents, infrastructure cannot hide behind paperwork. If a road looks weak, citizens assume the system behind it is weak as well.

In many communities, residents often hesitate to question government projects for fear of conflict or dismissal. However, in this case, the willingness of citizens to raise concerns demonstrates a growing culture of civic awareness. Public participation does not automatically mean corruption exists — but silence certainly makes it easier if it does.

Good governance is not only about completing projects but also about ensuring public confidence in how they are completed. Transparency should not begin only after complaints arise; it should be built into every project from the start.

As investigations unfold, the bigger issue remains: infrastructure is funded by the public, yet the public often learns details only after something appears wrong. So the real question becomes — in the age of transparency, should citizens still have to complain before accountability begins? (Larawan mula: Brigada Mark Andrew Portugal / Facebook)