P30 milion Veterans Memorial Park revitalization plan approved

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Council has approved the proposed design of Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera for the revitalization and transformation of the city's Veterans Memorial Park into a "distinctive memorial park" with an initial cost of at least P30 million.

"Good for the people who had gone ahead of us because we still have time to honor them, especially those who really were able to serve our country, and those who defended our country," said Pesquera, chairman of the Cebu City Tourism, in her privilege speech during the Cebu City regular session last Wednesday, November 8,2023.

Pesquera has taken into account that the city's Veteran Memorial Park is a place where the people commemorate the heroes of World War II.

The proposed design for the revitalization according to Pesquera is a triangle-based where each zones represents values such as "unity, courage and humanity."

Currently, the Veterans Memorial Park is located in Bliss, Barangay Labangon that is about 1.1 hectare in size. Prior to her presentation in the City Council, Pesquera said her consultant, an architect, conducted an inspection in the area for a site analysis.

As a result of the site analysis, it was found that only a portion of the area was utilized while the back portion was used as a residential area for some settlers.

"However this cemetery, there was already an order of closure way back two administrations ago wherein this particular cemetery will no longer accept new burial," said Pesquera.

She also added that despite having a closure order, there were reports of "unscrupulous" individuals that accepted burial in the area in exchange of P20,000 that goes straight to their personal accounts.

Among the elements that the design had envisioned for is the restoration of its "historical identity". Pesquera added that its revitalization aims to create an inclusive safe space for everyone.

"Being resilient, that is an aspect for sustainability including income diversification,” Pesquera further shared, referring to the vision of the memorial park.

Further, Pesquera said that the objective of the revitalization of the Cebu City Veterans Memorial is to transform it into a distinctive memorial park that stands different from the other memorial parks in the Philippines.

She, however, added that the design should still ensure a respectful separation from traditional memorial parks, as well as ensure the principles of sustainability to minimize environmental impact.

Pesquera said that in Bonbonan, an area near Bliss, Labangon where the memorial park is located is "very constricted."

"So we plan to really set back, to expand the width of Bonbonan, and to add additional sidewalks," Pesquera added.

The design also includes an amphitheater that will serve as a museum, two parking spaces, gardens, native trees, a cafe, busking area, ramp access, monument, floating chapel, and a rainwater catchment pond.

It also aims to generate income for Barangay Labangon from the influx of tourists and visitors that is being anticipated.

While the construction stage is ongoing, Pesquera said the remains will be placed in a temporary columbarium. Pesquera said they will be contacting the respective families of the plans to do so and assures that she will author an ordinance to detail the procedure in order to preserve the remains while the construction is ongoing.

During the discussion, Councilor James Anthony Cuenco suggested having a columbarium that will cater to veterans in the future since the existing veterans memorial park is no longer accepting burial due to its closure ordered years ago.

Pesquera then considered the suggestion adding that they could incorporate it with their plans. (CEBU NEWS)