Beautification work to resume

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Beautiful Movement Foundation Inc. will resume “beautifying” the entire stretch of Osmeña Boulevard after the Holy Week.

Foundation chairperson, philanthropist and businesswoman Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung, said they were able to raise at least P10 million during a Masquerade Ball last month to continue the beautification effort.

This time the foundation will work on the remaining stretch from Fuente Osmeña down to Sanciangko Street. Yeung said they hope to finish the stretch within 60 days.

Yeung said the amount would be more than enough to spend for the said area. According to her, beautifying and reinvigorating the Capitol-Escario stretch including the B. Rodriguez Street will come next as soon as the Osmeña Boulevard is done.

“I will finish the project, just watch,” Yeung vowed as she encouraged the project’s critics to help and cooperate instead.

Some skeptics earlier raised doubts on the foundation’s ability to raise the needed funds for the project. But the members of the foundation proved them wrong.

Margie Lhuillier, foundation’s co-chairperson, said that the support of the Cebuanos were tremendous, a reason why they were able to raise at least P10 million.

Tessie Javier, the foundation’s vice president, also said that when they started out they were shaky as they might not be able to raise funds but so many people especially Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia have given them tremendous support.

Atty. Joje Decal, the foundation’s president, said that more pledges are coming as their donors and sponsors know that what they have contributed really goes to the project.

The foundation is non-political and non-profit.

“We are asking all the Cebuanos to help clean our city. I am requesting all establishments (from Fuente to Capitol and from Fuente to Sanciangko) not to allow motorcycles and car to park in front of their establishments,” Yeung added.

Javier said that the sidewalk is meant for pedestrians and not for cars or motorcycles to park.

Javier added that a total of 165 lampposts were already installed and 11 more are coming along Osmeña Boulevard from Capitol down to Sanciangko Street.

The Cebu City government is not spending a single centavo for the undertaking.

This beautification project includes lighting the trees, installing lampposts and concreting with bricks.—(FREEMAN)