Rama determined to turn market into public plaza

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is determined to pursue the plan turning the Pasil Fish Market into a public plaza.

The City Council had opposed the move of Rama, who has been proposing for the market’s conversion into a park since he was a vice mayor.

Rama said he wants to pursue the park because the area needs an open space.

He suggested the area beside the gym as ideal for the construction of a school that Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young is proposing.

The mayor said the public park will add to the beauty of the historic San Nicolas Church.

He said the church has been in existence for more than 300 years and its historical value must be preserved.

“If you revisit our history, old churches always face the ocean. Where can you see a church where people enter at the back and side?” Rama said.

The original entrance of the church has been padlocked because it faces the market which exposes the churchgoers to foul smell and poor sanitation.

“I hope the council will not muddle the issue,” Rama said.

Rama has already got the commitment of a private individual for the construction of the plaza.

Young opposed the market’s conversion, saying it is better to turn it into a school.

He said the area needs a school to accommodate the students from the barangays of Pasil, Ermita, Sawang Calero and Suba. – (FREEMAN)