Garganera hails park restoration

CEBU, Philippines — Freedom Park in Carbon Market has been restored to its original role as civic commons, a move hailed by Councilor Joel Garganera as proof that Cebu City can modernize without erasing its heritage.

“To restore Freedom Park is to preserve more than land. It is to preserve memory. It is to honor the voices that once filled that space and to affirm that true development builds upon history rather than erasing it,” Garganera told the Council in a privilege speech yesterday.

He reminded colleagues that the Park historically served as a venue for peaceful assemblies, public discussions, and community interaction, embodying the democratic spirit long before modern platforms existed.

“Protection prevents loss; preservation sustains existence; but restoration revives history and brings meaning back to life,” he said, urging that restoration be made a core component of Cebu’s heritage policy.

Garganera also emphasized that vendors who had long associated the park with the city’s flower trade were “properly and thoughtfully relocated” to improved facilities in the Carbon Market Interim Building, including upper-level and rooftop spaces.

“This careful transition ensures that livelihoods are protected while the open ground of Freedom Park is reclaimed as a public green space,” he explained.

The speech prompts sharp exchanges

Councilor Babes Andales asked if Freedom Park is indeed a city-owned property, while Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña pressed, “Who comes first, the people or the place?”

Garganera replied that the place must be restored so people can enjoy it and provide an avenue for diverse causes.

He added that other matters tied to Carbon Market’s redevelopment and its joint venture agreement could be discussed during the March 17 session, a timetable Councilor Dave Tumulak supported.

The Freedom Park’s revival is rooted in the modernization of Carbon Market under the joint venture agreement (JVA) between Cebu City and Megawide Construction Corp. through Cebu2World Development, Inc.

The P8 billion redevelopment, signed in 2021, drew opposition from vendors fearing displacement.

Then Mayor Michael Rama fought to ensure that Freedom Park would be restored under revisions to the JVA, insisting that vendors in the area would not be displaced.

By 2022, stalls at the old Freedom Park were demolished, but supplemental agreements guaranteed its restoration as a civic space, with vendors relocated to organized facilities.

Garganera moved to formally include Freedom Park in Cebu City’s Heritage Month activities this May and in the annual Gabii sa Kabilin heritage tour.

He also urged the installation of heritage markers and educational materials. He requested the mayor’s office to convene the Heritage District Council to deliberate on sustained restoration programs across the city.

“The restoration is not only preserving history, but actively reviving it,” Garganera said, adding that every Cebuano who steps into Freedom Park should “feel seen, heard, and welcome.” — (FREEMAN)