Doña Pepang heritage park breaks ground today

CEBU, Philippines — The conversion of Doña Pepang Cemetery in Barangay Lorega into a heritage park will finally break ground today.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia will lead the ceremonies. Ramil Ayuman, special assistant to the mayor who was designated as overseer of the project, said they have invited former mayor Tomas Osmeña, grandson of Doña Pepang and former president Sergio Osmena, Sr., to grace the occasion.

“Nagpada mi invitation ni Mayor Tom na naa siya tomorrow…Mao pud gusto ni Mayor Mike,“ Ayuman told The Freeman.

As of last night there was no confirmation from the former mayor, who earlier expressed his opposition to the project, whether he is attending in today’s event. The heritage project was supposed to break ground last June 12 but had to be pushed back to a later date after the city government received a pledge of commitment from a private company.

The Freeman learned that Lucio Lim, Jr., president and chief executive officer of Lite Ferries Corporation, promised to help in the development of the heritage park since it is located near his building.

Lim is expected to turnover his donation for the project during the groundbreaking this morning.

Meanwhile, Ayuman said the city government has offered a “win-win” solution for the families living in the area and those of the other personalities buried in the said cemetery. According to Ayuman, a relocation site will be given to the dwellers affected in the clearing operation.

“All systems go na tomorrow…Ready na mi ugma,” said Ayuman. —/FPL (FREEMAN)