Project almost complete

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Beautiful Movement Foundation Inc.’s beautification project is now 95 percent complete but its chairwoman continues to appeal to some Cebuanos not to park their cars on the sidewalks of Osmeña Boulevard.

“I am appealing to some Cebuanos nga intawon ayaw mo pag-park sa sidewalk kay mangaguba na atong mga bricks. It is never easy to beg for donations para manindot ang atong sidewalk,” said chairwoman Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung.

Yeung, who brought up this matter to Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said it is high time for the city government to go after these “hard-headed” Cebuanos.

City Traffic Operations Management chairman Jack Jakosalem said starting Monday they will clamp or tow vehicles parked in the sidewalks of Osmeña Blvd.

“Gahi gyud ni sila og mga ulo. Nagsige lang og balik-balik,” Jakosalem said. A penalty of P500 awaits violators plus payment of any past penalties.

“The sidewalk is intended for people to walk not for cars to park. Mas maayo pa ang mga sidewalk vendors, nihawa na sila pero ang kaning mga tag-iya sa sak-yanan, pagka gahi og ulo ani nila. It is painful to see that our work is being abused by the people who do not even contribute anything,” she said.

The CBMFI has already completed 95 percent of its beautification project from the Capitol to Sanciangko St.

The foundation is non-political and non-profit. The Cebu City government has no counterpart on this multi-million restoration project to unburden the city government from spending.

This beautification project includes the lighting of trees, installing of lampposts and the concreting with bricks of the sidewalks as well as the center islands.   — (FREEMAN)