Groundbreaking for renovation to mark centennial anniversary

CEBU, Philippines - Fuente Osmeña Circle’s significant part of Cebu’s heritage was recognized in yesterday’s celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Buhisan Dam and Fuente Osmeña circle.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said that Fuente has a huge significance on the lives of the Cebuanos and is proof of the city’s colorful beginnings which should not be ignored.

The Cebu City Government headed by Rama along with the City council and the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) led by General Manager Armando Paredes spearheaded the two-part event which started with the unveiling of the Centennial Marker of the Buhisan Dam followed by the ceremonial Fountain Opening at the Fuente Osmeña Circle.

The groundbreaking for the renovation and beautification project of Fuente Osmeña circle was also held yesterday.

Rama thanked Amparito and Michelle Lhuillier who donated P13M for the renovation and will be handling the project.

The proposed design for the circle was done by USC-TC Architecture students who highlighted the most important part of the circle which is the fountain that symbolizes the public works facility of Cebu.    

The facility, a 27-meter high dam made to address the fires that destroyed properties in the city as well as solve health problems due to the lack of safe drinking water, was completed on February 11, 1912.

Commissioner of Cultural & Historical Affairs Commission Dr. Erlinda Alburo said that in 1909, aside from the fires, Cebu was hit by the Cholera outbreak, claiming 559 lives in Cebu.

Alburo explained that a typhoon came after that which contaminated the wells which at that time, was the only source of water for drinking.

Alburo shared that this was when the petition to reserve the land for the watershed in Buhisan was proposed by the Cebu Municipal board under Mayor Vicente Teves.

The proposal and construction of the dam was made possible by numerous personalities like Governor General Willam Cameron Forbes, who helped obtain funding for the project; American nationals Provincial health officer Dr. Arlington Pond and civil engineer Harry Cameron who supervised the Cebu waterworks; and Sergio Osmeña Sr., to whom the circle was named after, who worked hard for the building of infrastructure projects in Cebu.

“We celebrate today 100 years of the existence of this venerable fountain, with a fit ending in a ground breaking ceremony for the rehabilitation of its park,” said Alburo.

Included in the design for the renovation are the additional entrances to the circle, which would total to four. The design also showed that more pavements instead of grassy areas would be added as well as ample lighting in all areas.

Target date for the completion of the renovation is on November this year.

Mayor Rama said they are keen on the renovation because it would assure Cebuanos that the heritage of Cebu would be seen by the next generation.

He said that the renovation would be pushed through despite the ongoing issue on the ownership of the property.

A case is still pending in court on the ownership of the Fuente Osmeña property since the provincial government is claiming ownership of the lot.

Rama said they are very thankful that Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is supportive of the city’s beautification projects.

Aside from Alburo and Rama, MCWD Chairman of the Board, Engr. Eligio Pacaña and American Consul John F. Domingo also shared about the beginnings of the Osmeña Waterworks System before it became the MCWD.  (FREEMAN)