City launches Christmas projects

CEBU, Philippines – The night market along Colon Street will return starting December 1 to launch the city's celebration of Christmas this year.

The market, which is part of the Downtown Revitalization Project, will run until December 13.

Rama said he himself will visit the night market and invited Cebuanos to do the same. 

"Naa na sab ang Kasadya sa Downtown. Adto mo didto kay paningkamutan sa mga manindahay nga ma-menos-menos ilang baligya. Kitakits ta Kasadya sa downtown," Rama said.          

Administrative Officer Henry Tomalabcad said the 'Kasadya sa Downtown' is now on its 6th year since it was launched in 2005. More and more civic organizations and schools have reportedly joined in, including the Cebu Normal University, Southwestern University and University of San Carlos.

"Daghan nalipay especially mga small entrepreneurs, dili lang mga vendors, mga estudyante. In fact, daghan ang mu-join nato this time," Tomalabcad said.

He said the night market will have 100 stalls this year. Eighty stalls participated last year.

Each stall shall pay P5,000 to the city government for tax, electricity, food for the security guards and other expenses.

Security for the night market will be provided by the Cebu City Police Office and tanods from Barangays Sto. Niño, Kalubihan, Kamagayan and Parian.

Vehicle traffic will be rerouted from 6pm to 2am during the duration of the night market.

Aside from the night market, Tomalabcad also invited the public to join the National Heritage Walk on November 29. The walk will start from E-Mall towards the Plaza Sugbo and towards Barangay Pahina Central. Vehicle traffic will be rerouted on that day starting 4pm until 11pm.

Christmas at N. Bacalso

Meanwhile, 12 barangays along the 6.3-kilometer stretch of N. Bacalso have committed to light and decorate their respective jurisdiction from December 1 to the New Year to support Rama's "Bayanihan, Barangayan and Bolunterismo" program.

The city's Parks and Playground Committee will take charge of lighting the center islands.

Dr. Librado Macaraya, presiding officer of PPC, said they would need at least P500,000 for the project. The City Council has reduced the budget for Christmas lights to P1 million from the original P5 million.

Given the limited resources, Librado said they will source out more funds and encourage more private sectors to take part in the project.

Aside from lighting the street, the 'Kasadya Sa N. Bacalso' also aims to address concerns on traffic, peace and order, sidewalk vending, cleanliness and the maintenance of the center island. - Jessica Ann R. Pareja and Karen P. Ceniza , Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento, Junalyn S. Rufin and Donna B. Vitualia, USJR Masscom Interns/JMO (FREEMAN)