City can't just donate parcel of SRP

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City cannot just donate part of the South Road Properties so it can be made a historical site considering the area is a prime lot.

“We have no objection. But the thing is: How big?” asked Councilor Margot Osmeña.

Osmeña revealed that representatives from the Cebu Archdiocese, during their meeting with the Cultural and Historical Affairs Committee members last week, expressed their intention to convert the area where the thanksgiving Mass for Beato Pedro Calungsod’s canonization will be held this October into a historical site.

One of the representatives, Rev. Fr. Dennis Villarojo, however, did not specify how much of that portion of the SRP they want for the purpose. The templete that will be used during the Mass will occupy at least 1,200 square meters of the SRP.

Although CHAC is only a recommending body, Osmeña doubts if the city would be willing to donate a huge area. She explained that another possible stumbling block is the fact that the proposed historical site will only be for Catholics and it would not be fair to the Muslims and those belonging to other religions.

“What about the Muslims?” she asked.

Osmeña, however, said the archdiocese representatives who made the request are willing to have another site, noting that the Mass will be held in a property already owned by SM.

Osmeña said everything is still under discussion, but if the proposal materializes both parties agreed to make the historical site local, meaning no involvement from national agencies like the National Historical Commission.     - THE FREEMAN