Gugma Ni Castro

By: Ambrosio R. Villorente

“Gugma ni Castro” means “bad roads” to the Aklanons who pass by that Capiz portion of the 200 hundred kilometers long road between Kalibo, Aklan and Iloilo City. Except for a small portion, the roads from Capiz – Aklan boundariy and Capiz – Passi City boundary are extremely badly damaged.

It took us two hours to travel from Aklan – Capiz boundary in Sapian, Capiz to Capiz – Passi City boundary in Dumarao, Capiz in our recent travel. We used to travel on this portion of the road going to Iloilo City in less than one hour on a normal and allowable speed. Now, to travel over that road, the driver must go slow with the excessive use of clutch and shifting of gears. Car with automatic transmission will not last.

After our travel on that road for two times last week, our driver requested for a day off to rest and to relieve his body pains as a consequence of driving along the “Gugma ni Castro” road in Capiz.

The road is located in the second Congressional district of Capiz. This district is represented in Congress by Congressman Fresnidi Castro who is the subject of ridicule by those using the said road. “Gugma ni Castro” means love of Castro but given malicious meanings because the road is in bad shape supposed to be under the care of Cong. Castro. However, that road was badly maintained until this time when that road has badly deteriorated. Moreover, there are signages along the road which read: “ SLOW DOWN – Gugma Ni Castro.”

Several Aklanons are likewise asking if Senator Mar Roxas still care for the Capiznons and the Aklanons. If he really cares, Sen. Roxas must do something to put in shape that Capiz portion of the Aklan – Iloilo highway. /MP