“Friendly” P. Zamora Street pushed

CEBU, Philippines - Stakeholders involved in the beautification of a street in Cebu City dubbed as the Padre Zamora Street Project are aiming for "street tourism" and a "friendly-to-all" street in the city.

Business establishments, vendors, government organizations, architecture students of University of San Carlos and Movement for Livable Cebu (MLC) were present during the preliminary meeting for the beautification of P. Zamora Street that connects Basilica del Sto. Niño, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and other areas in Osmeña Boulevard.

The project is also in preparation for the Pope's visit on 2016.

"Something will happen in the neighborhood. It changes the scenery…the people also change their hearts and whatever buildings there will evolve into something else. There will be cases of urban blight," said Rudy Alix of MLC.

Joy Onozowa, also of MLC, said beautifying P. Zamora Street will not only make it socio-culturally developed but as well as a potential economic hub generating dense patronage.

"There are areas that will serve as a vibrant hawkers market offering local products such as flowers, local delicacies, religious relics and vernacular foods not only for the locals to enjoy but for the tourists," she said.

During the presentation of the study made by architecture students of the University of San Carlos, specific plans for the project were shown which involves creative streetscape design ensuring safety, cleanliness and attractiveness, a fiesta market promoting connectivity between the Sto. Niño Church and the Cathedral, limited parking for cars, bicycles and motorcycles and comfortable and safe pedestrian destination with emphasis to mobility-impaired people.

Onozawa said the study presented by the students is not yet final as they are going to make changes considering also the suggestions of other stakeholders.

Tetta Baad of Cebu City Tourism Commission said tourism stakeholders have agreed to prioritize heritage areas in the city.

Baad said a budget has been allocated for the project, but it needs to be studied well first before it will be successfully implemented. —  (FREEMAN)