Province okays use of lot to promote horse industry

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu provincial government has allowed the free use of its property in barangay Sudlon, Cebu City, to promote the equine industry.

The province has recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Cebu Equine Owners, Breeders and Sportsmen’s Association, Inc. (CEOBSA) allowing the latter to use the 6,000 square-meter portion of its property as a site for it to demonstrate and showcase equestrianism.

Equestrianism is a tradition or skill of breeding, riding and driving horses for work, recreation and competition.

The 6,000 square-meter portion of the provincial lot is part of the two adjacent parcels of land known as Lot no. 1064 and Lot no. 1062-A located in the mountain barangay of Sudlon.

The province foresees that the promotion of equestrianism that is considered an ever-growing worldwide tradition would surely promote and boost the tourism program in Cebu. It is also seen to provide work opportunities for the Cebuanos.

The use of land by CEOBSA shall initially be for a period of one year.

Considerations for the use obligate CEOBSA for its exclusive use as a site for promotion of equestrianism.

The construction of stables for horses, a clubhouse, a riding arena and other related facilities are allowed to keep the subject premises in good order and condition.

CEOBSA will hold equestrian events, seminars and other activities pertaining to riding and breeding of horses and horsemanship. Other programs to promote equestrianism will also be implemented in different component municipalities and cities of the province.

The CEOBSA shall assist the province in securing the property against informal settlers.

The province as indicated in the MOA has requested that horse manure would be supplied to the Cebu Province Agriculturist to be used as fertilizer for its various crops.

The province will have a reasonable amount of share in the proceeds from CEOBSA’s gainful activities and undertakings.

CEOBSA will have to secure a third-party liability insurance in the amount of P1 million from the Government Service Insurance System to cover for any third-party liabilities resulting from their operation, use and occupancy. – Jessica Ann R. Pareja/BRP (THE FREEMAN)