Don’t Turn City Into “Poster City” - Ch: Firms warned over tarpaulins

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government has warned commercial establishments not to turn the city into a "Poster City."

The Cebu City Public Information Office has reported that the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement (PROBE) is intensifying effort to remove tarpaulins by private companies that are attached to poles and displayed in other prohibited places.

Mayor Michael Rama had already ordered the PROBE, Cebu Environmental Sanitation and Enforcement Team (CESET) and the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) to remove the posters or tarpaulins placed along the streets because he does not want thoroughfares to become an "advertisement territory."

The move is part of the government's program to make the streets clean and orderly.

In fact, the implementation of the Garbage Clean Up Storm continues with the city government turning the garbage hotspots into mini-gardens.

CESET said it is best for the people to follow the garbage collection schedule since their cooperation is a vital instrument for maintaining the cleanliness around the city.

The city government also requested barangay officials to help in this campaign.

City Hall is also embarking on a mission to recover sidewalks and the implementation of no-building zone in high-risk areas.

Last year, Rama issued an executive order dubbed "Oplan Disiplina" enjoining everyone to maintain discipline to keep the city orderly and peaceful.

This year, the city has also launched "Oplan Panindot sa Palibot" with the city’s first lady, Malou Rama, leading the beautification campaign. She is assisted by Arlie Gesta, head of the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office-CCENRO.

Among the activities undertaken by the first lady include ornamental tree planting and mural paintings in different barangays. — (FREEMAN)