Mayor Rama asks for unspent funds from DOT

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is asking the Department of Tourism (DOT) for the unspent P3 million from the P15 million allocated for the renovation of Plaza Sugbo a few years back.

Rama said that he wants to use the remaining amount to pay for the improvement of Freedom Park in Carbon area and Fort San Pedro.

DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez reportedly advised Rama to send a project proposal for the full utilization of the fund rather than get the amount in whole, which the mayor agreed.

“If and when we will be able to put back Carbon’s elegant and glory, it will again boost tourism in Cebu,” Rama said.

Department of Manpower Development and Placement Administrative Officer Anthony Aguhar told The Freeman that the unspent money was actually P4 million out of the total budget approved by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2007.

Aguhar, who handled the project, said that only P11 million was spent on the renovation and beautification of Plaza Sugbo.

 He said that remaining amount is with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), formerly the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA).

Aguhar said he is also planning to submit a proposal to Rama on the construction of monuments of the late senators Don Vicente Rama, the father of Cebu City Charter, and Sergio Osmeña Jr. at Plaza Sugbo.

“This will also promote tourism and this is part of enhancing and adding valor and beauty to Plaza Sugbo,” Aguhar said. – (FREEMAN)