New group for restoration, beautification projects

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government has formed a management group that will administer the implementation of any restoration, beautification, development, or improvement along S. Osmeña Boulevard.

S. Osmeña Boulevard is considered as one of the vital gateways that connect the cities of Cebu and Mandaue to one side and the South Coastal Road that links Cebu City and Talisay City on the other.

Mayor Michael Rama, in his August 12 executive order, said there is a need to improve S. Osmeña Boulevard, considering its historical value and strategic location.

“In order to maximize its full potentials towards social, economic and environmental benefits, there is also a need to establish improvements, renovations and developments of other main roads such as but not limited to Kaoshiong road Mango Avenue extension which is adjacent and perpendicular to S. Osmeña road,” the order reads.

The management group is composed of Rama or his authorized representative as chairperson and the city administrator as vice-chairperson. The members will be composed of representatives from the city’s Department of Engineering and Public Works, City Legal Office, Project Executive Director, Cebu City Transportation Office, Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Planning and Development; Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement; Parks and Playgrounds, City Council member; and Land Management Office.

Other members will come from national government and private agencies like the Cebu Ports Authority, Cebu International Port, Department of Public Works and Highways-7, and even representatives from barangays.

The development and beautification also includes the side roads of S. Osmeña Boulevard like Kaoshiong road and Mango Avenue extension, among others.

The boulevard starts from the bridge near the Cebu International Port (which connects Cebu City to Mandaue City) to Palma Street near the subway near Plaza Independencia.

Rama said it has a strategic location because of its accessibility to port areas.

The group was formed to “organize and effectively monitor the different projects to be implemented in S. Osmeña road and other main side roads mentioned.”

One of the group’s functions is establishing the procedures of the implementation of all projects initiated by the city, the national government, and other agencies.

The group is also tasked to coordinate with national government agencies, if any, for projects that will be implemented since it is a national road.

The group will also “conceptualize and propose projects that are in line with the policies and objectives of the City, in coordination with the appropriate government agencies, offices and instrumentalities.”

City Administrator Lucelle Mercado said the contractor of the DPWH is undergoing minor road works.

Also, Mercado said DPWH committed to install Light-emitting diode along the sidewalk of S. Osmeña Boulevard.

 “Once mahuman ang DPWH and ang contractor sa ilang trabaho diha, start na pod ta sa atong beautification project with SM Prime Holdings Inc.,” she said.

Rama earlier announced that SM Prime Holdings Inc. has committed to enhance the “heritage value and dimension of arts and culture” of S. Osmeña Boulevard.  (FREEMAN)