Before conversion Rama wants zoo ownership issue settled

CEBU, Philippines - Settle lot ownership first.

So said Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama when sought for comment on the reported conversion of the Cebu City Zoo into a botanical garden and wildlife rescue facility.

Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) chief Dr. Alice Utlang and Committee on Environment chairman Councilor Nida Cabrera earlier confirmed the transfer of funds from the DVMF to the mayor’s office.

Utlang added that aside from funds, management was also removed from their office which was corrected by Cabrera saying it has always been with the mayor’s office and the DVMF’s role was checking the animals’ health.

Parks administrator Arlie Gesta also said he received reports that the city Parks and Playground Commission will be involved in transforming the area into a botanical garden.

“Let us first solve the ownership concerns before we talk about that,” Rama told reporters.

He added that the city has yet to talk to the provincial government to determine the ownership of the property.

On the plans of converting the zoo into a Botanical Garden and Wildlife Rescue Office, he does not see any reason to disagree.

“I am for anything that will bring about the advancement of our youth and ecosystems,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Rama said he has talked to representatives of the Lhuilliers and the Capitol on the proposed Fuente Osmeña rehabilitation project which was temporarily halted due to a pending ownership case between the city and province.

“We set aside the ongoing ownership case because all the parties wanted to push for the implementation of the project,” Rama told reporters in a briefing that followed the closed-door meeting in his office.

Amendments on the existing contract between the Lhuilliers and the City Government were agreed and that these will be laid and discussed next week.

“Daghan ang kinahanglan i-amend sa contract. We will give them one week to fix them. If wala, we will push for the cancellation of the contract. But we do not want to do that,” he said.

Amending the contract will also require a city council approval.  (FREEMAN)