Hotels asked: Promote city’s culture, heritage

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr. has proposed an ordinance requiring establishments, where tourists usually stay and transact business, to display pictures or images depicting the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The proposed ordinance is entitled “Promotion and Preservation of Cebu City’s Culture Ordinance,” which was referred to the Committee on Laws, Ordinances, and Styling.

It encourages the participation of business establishments in the conservation and awareness programs aimed at promoting and preserving the rich culture of the city.

“It is the policy of the State to conserve, promote, and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations,” said Gabuya.

The proposed ordinance shall cover and be applicable to hotels, pension houses, tourist inns, apartelles, and the like; restaurants, coffee shops; and resorts within the jurisdiction of the city.

As stated in the draft ordinance, the covered establishments shall be required to post, hang, or display at least two paintings, photos, or pictures, with minimum dimension of 2 feet x 3 feet, depicting the city’s rich culture, tourist attractions, or landmarks.

The paintings, photos, or pictures must be properly captioned, strategically posted, and easily visible for the customers inside the establishment.

The Cebu City Tourism Office and Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) will be tasked to monitor and inspect the covered establishments for purposes of granting business permit.

According to the proposed ordinance, establishments not displaying at least two paintings, photos, or pictures depicting the city’s rich culture, tourist attractions, or landmarks shall be penalized.

For the first, second, and third offense is a fine of P1,000, P3,000, and P5,000, respectively.

For the succeeding offenses, suspension of business permit of not less than 15 days will be imposed.

Once approved, the city’s Tourism Office and BPLO shall jointly implement the ordinance and shall prepare the necessary implementing rules and regulations not later than 30 days.  GAN (FREEMAN)