Two City Council committees support margot on marker

CEBU, Philippines - The proposed ordinance setting guidelines for the installation of markers and landmarks in Cebu City has gained the support of two committees in the City Council.

Councilor Margarita “Margot” Osmeña’s ordinance was supported by the committees on tourism and the laws, ordinance and good government.

In the respective reports of the two committees, it said that the proposed ordinance is in line with the constitutional provisions to foster preservation and enrichment of the Filipino culture and the popularization of the nation’s cultural and historical heritage.

 Councilor Alvin Dizon, vice chairman of the committee on tourism, however, recommended a slight modification in the proposed guidelines.

“It is suggested that additional provisions be added in cases when it is the local government of Cebu City that initiates the installation,” Dizon said in his report.

Under the proposed ordinance of Osmeña, installation of markers to honor a dead person whose deeds or attributes are worthy of respect and emulation can be done only five years after the death.

Dizon wants that the city government will not be covered by the five year provision in cases the local government initiates the installation of markers to honor a person.

Dizon said the same should also cover the guidelines on naming and renaming of landmarks and markets and other cultural and historical sites.

Osmeña, chairperson of the committee on historical affairs and tourism, said the absence of specific guidelines resulted to several cultural features that have been in the sad state of neglect.

 Osmeña proposed in her ordinance that preservation and maintenance of the markers and landmarks shall be the responsibility of those who proposed for their installation.

She wants that any private institution or individual who wish to install a marker should first obtain the approval of the barangay where they propose to install the marker or landmark before this could be acted upon by the City Council for approval.(FREEMAN)