Colon revitalization project city lawyers recommend contract with NCCA

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu City Legal Office has recommended for the signing of a multi-party contract with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts to officially formulate a master plan to revitalize Colon, the country's oldest street.

The City Legal Office found the draft agreement, after review, to be in order and compliant with the basic requirements.

"A careful reading of the provisions of the Multiple Party Agreement reveal that they are in accordance with law, rules and regulations, and are not contrary to morals, good customs, public order and public policy... Foregoing premises considered, this Office finds no legal impediment for the Honorable Mayor to proceed in signing the Multiple Party Agreement with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts," said lawyer June Ibones Maratas.

He asked Councilor Nendell Hanz Abella to sponsor a resolution authorizing Mayor Michael Rama to enter into and sign the contract with NCCA executives.

However, Councilor Sisinio Andales wants his committee to review the contract before granting authority to the mayor.

The NCCA granted financial assistance to the city government for the Colon Revitalization Project relative to the formulation of the master plan for the protection, rehabilitation, and restoration of the whole stretch of the historic Colon Street.

"It is apparent these days that the once celebrated and famous center of downtown Cebu has become an inferior shopping center and tourist destination. In order to maintain the flourishing momentum, we need to solve environmental deterioration of our subject area and enhance its visual and aesthetic viability," Maratas told Abella in his letter.

An amount of P5 million was set aside for the project master plan to be formulated by the University of San Carlos.

Initiatives taken by the city government to restore and revitalize Colon Street include dredging the estero to address the flooding problem in the area. —/FPL (FREEMAN)