City opens new playground at Plaza Independencia

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government has formally opened the long-awaited new playground at Plaza Independencia, with Mayor Nestor Archival stressing its importance as a safe, inclusive space for children and families.

The project, known as Colin’s Playground, was made possible through the support of Global Holdings, Inc., Vicsal Holdings, Virginia Food, Taft Property, and other private partners.

Officials emphasized that the project reflects the city’s renewed commitment to maintaining recreational facilities and learning from past lapses when similar projects fell into neglect.

The formal ceremony was led by Archival and Cebu City Parks and Playgrounds head Augustus Jolly Pe III, along with Vicsal Holdings Executive Director Ana Marie Into, Virginia Food President Felix Tiukinhoy, Abigail Chua of Taft Property, and Global Holdings Cebu Vice President Mulric Sarmiento.

Tiukinhoy, who also serves as CESAFI commissioner and was representing Vicsal Holdings at the ceremony, said in a brief interview with THE FREEMAN that the equipment had been donated earlier this year but was only made available to the public now, while the city continues to prepare a larger, more accessible venue for children and seniors.

Archival highlighted the broader vision behind the project.

“Kini nga public playground usa ka dugang nga safe ug welcoming space diin ang mga kabataan makadula, makalingaw, ug makagugol og quality time uban sa ilang mga pamilya ug komunidad,” Mayor Archival said.

He added that partnerships with the private sector are vital in creating inclusive, family-oriented spaces that strengthen community ties.

“The activity highlighted the partnership between the private sector and the local government in providing public spaces that promote recreation, community interaction, and a better quality of life for Cebuanos,” he added.

During the previous administration under then-Mayor Michael Rama, a Children’s Park fronting San Nicolas Parish was also developed with private support, including donations from a private corporation.

The importance of playgrounds is widely recognized by international organizations.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF emphasize that play is a fundamental right of children and is essential to their health, learning, and resilience.

Playgrounds provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, emotional development, and cognitive growth.

UNICEF notes that in times of crisis, play offers stability and healing, making safe recreational spaces as vital as food, water, and education. — /IHM (FREEMAN)