Location-Location-Location

      That is quite a unique title. But it is very important. All activities require space. More so, if the activity has a business orientation. Clients and customers have to be able to reach the source of the products or services they need at least cost and within a minimum travel time. Suppliers have to be able to bring their stocks easily to their stores. (Ever wonder why most public markets are beside rivers or are along the seacoast?)

      How many times have we noticed businesses thrive because it is “strategically” located for that kind of business? And how many times have we seen the opposite - bankruptcy due to “wrong” location? When we say “strategic” we refer to its usefulness to the sale of the products or services of a business. A sale is a transaction involving at least two persons. Of course, we know that it is between a buyer and a seller. So the best location must be advantageous to both the buyer and the seller.

      Why go into this fundamental premises?

      I want to point out that the location of a project can spell the difference between success or failure or between gaining profits or suffering losses. The decision where to locate a project would depend on how the decision-makers understand the nature and requirements of such project.

      There could be other reasons which are not financial nor economic in nature. Whatever be these reasons, if the project is to be implemented by a government agency or a local government unit then one of the objectives should be achieving the highest benefits for the least cost. For the most part, this is dependent on appropriate location.

     Sometimes we wonder whether such objectives are recognized by decision-makers in government. Empty public markets, ports without boats docking on them and unmanned barangay health centers are examples of failures in decision-making which cost the taxpayers their hard-earned money.

     The taxpayers bear the cost of such wrong decisions.

      It is, therefore, relevant to ask: is locating the commercial center and public market of Tacloban in an interior area which is presently a garbage dump a good location that will make the project a success? Come on. Think.