Rama wants S. Osmeña Boulevard spruced up

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama wants a “Heritage Village Tour” at Serging Osmeña Blvd. running along the North Reclamation Area.

Rama revealed his plan in a recent meeting with stakeholders and department heads at the Mayor’s Conference Room. Rama said he already proposed this Heritage Village Tour in 2004 during the term of former president Gloria Arroyo, while he was still vice mayor.

In his plan, Rama wants this village tour as a “walkway of culture and arts” thus he wants all the heritage sites along the boulevard enhanced and preserved for this purpose. 

Rama has directed his department heads to assess the possible heritage sites that will become part and parcel of his proposed project.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways, Metro Cebu Development Project, SM City Cebu, Department of Engineering and Public Works, Cebu City Planning and Development Office, Prevention, Restoration, Order Beautification Enhancement, Parks and Playgrounds Commission, and the Cebu Traffic Operations Management.

Rama also directed CITOM officials to make a feasibility study of the traffic situation in the area, and how his proposed project may affect it.  He also ordered PROBE to clear the sidewalks and restore the three-meter easements in the said area.  He tasked the DEPW to send notices to individuals who have put up structures in the easements.

He also wants the center islands to be rehabilitated so that the area will be more attractive not only to passersby but also to investors.

It was in August this year when Rama announced that he wanted NRA be renamed the Serging Osmeña Business Park after the late Cebuano senator.  Rama said the move is to put clarity to this city-owned property, apart from giving honor to the late senator.

By putting clarity, Rama said he wanted to see “better movements” in what seemed like an idle NRA, which was expected to be a prime property.

P100 million has already been earmarked for the road concreting projects in the area.

“If SRP (South Road Properties) is the future, the North Reclamation Area is the present,” he said.  — (FREEMAN)