CEBU, Philippines — The contractor assigned to restore Freedom Park is confident to get things done within this month as promised as buildings around the areas pledged to help beautify the structure and create a lively Christmas atmosphere.
City planner, Architect Yumi Espina, through the city’s PIO report, said that they had been assured by the Cebu2World Development, Inc. (C2W) that it will be done this month as disclosed during the groundbreaking of the restoration of the said park last September 8.
Aside from finishing on time, the park is expected to look the same as it originally was when it was first built and where it was in the 1600s, just as Mayor Mike Rama wanted it to be.
The restoration of the original Freedom Park is one of the curative measures done under the JVA between the city government and C2W for the Carbon market redevelopment.
As restoration are now halfway to its deadline, establishments and even a university, the University of San Jose Recoletos, are also expected to help make the area even livelier, especially during the Christmas season by re-painting, lighting, and decorating their respective areas.
USJ-R which is just across the said part, in particular, has agreed to install lights and the image of the Virgin Mary on its facade, making the building a sight to behold not only during day time but especially at night time.
“Christmas is a time for giving, whether it is presents, or money or time. Decorations are some of the way of giving back to the community whether or not they are of the faith,” said Architect Jamaica Arbien T. Lumayag from the school’s Building Maintenance Office.
On the other hand, other areas around Freedom Park have agreed to repaint their buildings with pastel colors.
Repainting of their respective buildings, however, will depend on when some dangling electric wires and vendors around them will already be cleared.
“Dili sila kapintal ug beautify if the vendors are still in-front and the wires kay hugaw kaayo,” disclosed Espina.
City Councilor Jerry Guardo said they are already working on the said area so that the repainting of buildings can already proceed soon. — GMR (FREEMAN)