Rama lauds local bizmen’s help in reviving Colon

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has lauded local businessmen who helped uplift and revitalized trade and commerce in the downtown area.

Rama commended The FREEMAN chairman and University of the Visayas executive vice president Jose “Dodong” Gullas and columnist Valeriano “Bobit” Avila for their contribution in giving life to Colon Street.

The mayor also made special mention to the Gaisanos, whose chain of stores in downtown area is making Colon a place of trade and commerce. Rama also thanked lawyer Augusto W. Go, owner of the University of Cebu (UC); Aboitiz Group, which operates City Savings Bank; Lhullier and the rest of the businessmen who invested millions along the oldest street in the country. 

Rama said that the local businessmen played a vital role in the city’s revitalization program and bringing back the old and historic Colon.

“My deep appreciation to the Avilas, Gullas, Go, Gaisano, Aboitiz, Lhullier and other entrepreneurs that never lost their trust to Colon,” Rama said.

“Seeing the revitalization in the downtown areas and the inevitable restoration of the glorious, classical and magnificent downtown color,” he added.

Rama initiated the downtown revitalization program, which aims to light up the whole stretch of Colon; maintain peace and order; promote clean and green program; improve the traffic flow; regulate the vendors; and boost business in the down town.

He wants to restore and bring back what was Colon before as the city’s major trading hub and the center of commerce and industry.

Avila, who owns the Oriente and some properties nearby, told The FREEMAN that as businessmen they must adapt to “change.” Oriente was built in 1950s and he said the family opted to keep the old façade.

“We have to change and improve our businesses because Cebu is growing economically and the population as well is growing and we don’t want to be left behind,” Avila said.

Avila stressed that everyone has role to take to help the city government and to restore and preserve what Cebu has, especially its history, Colon and other historic places.

“The downtown is being revitalized and the mango is being revitalized so we should be part of that and not be like bystanders,” Avila added. — (FREEMAN)