Officials express concern on safety of Fuente Circle, Pari-an Monument

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Parks and Playground Commission worries about the safety of tourists and passers by at the Fuente Osmeña Circle and the Pari-an Heritage Monument after noticing cracks in both structures.

Considering the matter as ‘alarming’, the commission immediately sought the intervention of the Department of Engineering and Public Works to conduct an assessment of both structures’ structural integrity to prevent any untoward incidents. The commission fears that the cracks maybe detrimental to the safety of the public especially that the Fuente Circle and the Pari-an Heritage Monument are two of the popular destinations for local and foreign tourists in the City.

The rotunda park and the heritage monument are both maintained by the Parks and Playground Commission.

This fountain is one of the known landmarks in the city because it symbolizes the first waterworks system in Cebu. The fountain was built in 1923. It served as a witness of the first water-pipe system in Cebu.

The park was built around it which is the now called Fuente Osmeña or “Fountain of Osmeña” in honor of Cebu’s Grand Old Man, the late President Sergio Osmeña, who contributed a lot in the establishment of the water system in Cebu.

The monument, on the other hand, was built in 1997 and underwent major restoration and rehabilitation last year. The heritage monument was restored for P2 million from the Department of Tourism.

The monument is a sculptural tableau depicting different significant times in the history of Cebu.

It is maintained by the Parks Commission but the security is tasked to the barangay. The DEPW said they are still awaiting communication from the commission.

The engineering department assured that the concern will be acted upon in no time once the report reaches them. (FREEMAN)