Portugal may help repair Magellan’s Kiosk

CEBU, Philippines - Portugal might help Cebu City in the restoration of the century-old Magellan’s Kiosk said Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

“Maybe they can be of assistance to quick restoration of the Magellan’s Kiosk,” Rama said.

The kiosk, which houses the famous Magellan’s Cross, sustained minor cracks following the powerful earthquake that jolted the provinces of Cebu and Bohol last October 15.

Portuguese Ambassador to the Philippines, Joaquim Alberto de Sousa Moreira de Lemos paid a courtesy call to Rama at Cebu City Hall yesterday.

The explorer Ferdinand Magellan, after whom the kiosk and nearby Magallanes St. was named, was Portuguese.

Rama said Portugal wanted to build a diplomatic relationship with the City of Cebu.

“Interesado nga nindot ang relationship between Philippines, particularly Cebu and Portugal,” he said.

After the visit, De Lemos also visited the Magellan’s Kiosk.

Rama said he will ask the Philippine Ambassador to Portugal, Philippe Lhuillier, to discuss with De Lemos regarding the help the city of Portugal might extend to the City particularly to restore the kiosk. 

Recently, the Mayor of Sabrosa City in Portugal, Jose Manuel de Carvalho Marquez, earlier sent a letter of intent to Rama seeking to establish and formalize sisterhood ties through an agreement.

The agreement will primarily strengthen the friendship and mutual understanding between the people of Sabrosa and Cebu, developing exchanges between the two cities, particularly in the areas of trade, tourism and education.

In a separate development, Rama said Haarlemmermeer, a Dutch sister-city of Cebu will help in building the new Cebu City Medical Center. He said Haarlemmermeer will be sending people and will raise money to help rebuild the hospital.   (FREEMAN)