PB backs Fuente restoration pact

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Board has authorized Governor Pamela Baricuatro to enter into a tripartite agreement with the Cebu City Government and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) for the restoration of Fuente Osmeña Circle, subject to safeguards protecting the province’s ownership and heritage interests.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) will formalize the province’s participation in the Fuente Osmeña Restoration Project.

"WHEREAS, the proposed Memorandum of Understanding defines the Parties' respective roles in project planning, design development, technical studies, private resource mobilization, implementation coordination, and the transition to long-term management, and is intended to serve as the basis for a subsequent Memorandum of Agreement or implementation agreement," reads the resolution authorizing the governor to sign the agreement.

Sponsored by Board Member Paz Rozgoni, the resolution was approved during the Provincial Board’s regular session on November 9, 2026.

The project aims to preserve the landmark’s historical and cultural character while improving accessibility, pedestrian safety, environmental sustainability and its use as a public space.

However, the provincial government stressed the need to protect its interests, particularly since it owns the properties where the rotunda is situated.

Provincial records identify the province as the registered owner of two parcels covering Fuente Osmeña Circle: Lot No. 527, under Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. RT-5346, and Lot No. 2-B-2, under TCT No. 122635.

The province also wants to retain an equal say in major design decisions, particularly those that could affect the visual corridor connecting the landmark to the Cebu Provincial Capitol Building.

The resolution underscored the need to maintain the province’s "co-equal voice on major design matters" that could alter the visual axis and corridor leading toward the Capitol.

It also emphasized compliance with Republic Act No. 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, and other applicable heritage regulations.

Any proposed work involving heritage features must secure written approval or clearance from the appropriate heritage authorities before actual intervention, the resolution stated.

Under the proposed MOU, the three parties will define their respective roles in project planning, design development, technical studies, private resource mobilization and implementation coordination. It will also establish a framework for the restored site’s eventual transition to long-term management and serve as the basis for a subsequent memorandum of agreement or implementation agreement.

The resolution clarified that signing the MOU would not automatically authorize the use of provincial funds, procurement using public funds or the province’s acceptance and administration of donations.

Any future financial commitments or use of public resources would require separate authorization and must comply with existing budgeting, accounting, auditing and procurement rules.

Before the resolution was presented for approval, the Provincial Legal Office issued an opinion finding the proposed MOU legal, valid and proper in form and substance.

Copies of the approved resolution will be furnished to the Office of the Governor, Cebu City Government, CCCI, Provincial Legal Office and other concerned offices for their guidance and appropriate action. — /FPL (FREEMAN)