Another flyover gets 'facelift' under city's beautification program

MANILA, Philippines — With colors and designs symbolizing Cebu and China, the flyover near TESDA building at the corner of Pope John Paul II Avenue and Archbishop Reyes Avenue that recently had a 'facelift' was officially launched yesterday to the public.

More than just aesthetics, the project, by both the city government of Cebu and the People's Republic of China in Cebu through its Consulate office, hopes to be a symbol of unity and strength of cultural ties.

China’s Consul-General Zhang Zhen thanked Cebu City “for the trust and goodwill extended to the Consulate General.”

“It is a great pleasure for us to support the flyover beautification project. Here I also wish to salute and express appreciation to all the supporters and workers involved in this project. Our joint efforts have made this project a success, said the Consul-General.

Zhen, in her message, also stressed how the Chinese and Cebuanos enjoy profound historical connections.

“The two sides have cultural affinity and common aspirations. This flyover is now beautified with auspicious paintings from our two cultures, embodying best wishes and blessing for Cebu and Cebuano,” Zhen said.

“It is a monument of our enduring friendship. It is a bridge of China-Cebu cultural exchanges and mutual learning for common progress.  it is a showcase for the diversity and harmony of Cebu City,” she added.

Zhen disclosed that last year, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Civilization Initiative which contains the classic philosophical idea of "harmony in diversity."

From the perspective of Chinese philosophy, "harmony in diversity" is a concept of moral value, which not only helps sustain the well-being of a society, but also benefit from building a community with a shared future for mankind, she said while sharing an ancient Chinese saying that goes “Heart-to-heart communication makes lasting friendship.”

"We stand ready to join hands with people of foresight, with friends of all walks of life, to reinforce our faith in amity, to enhance communication and mutual understanding, to safeguard friendship, and usher in a brighter future with more benefits and well-being for people,” Consul General Zhen ended while also hoping for a wonderful tomorrow for Cebu.

Mayor Raymond Garcia also shared the same thoughts as Zhen and thanked them and the rest of the group and individuals who made the project possible.

Garcia also mentioned the Mayor’s Protocol Office to whom then mayor Mike Rama entrusted the beatification project of the flyovers in the city.

Protocol officer Cinbeth Orellano, in a separate interview with The Freeman, said that three of the city’s major flyovers have been beautified through collaboration with different countries, including France, Korea and now, China.

Another one, which is the flyover in Mambaling, is expected to be given a facelift, too.

The Freeman learned that the city government is looking into a possible partnership with Japan although Canada and The Netherlands have also expressed their intent for a possible collaboration.

Right after winning the 2022 election, one of Mayor Rama’s immediate orders was to clean up the city, get rid of graffiti, and beautify it including flyovers which had become a go-to place for street dwellers, drug addicts and the likes in previous years.

With Garcia’s assumption into office, he told officials of barangays where these major flyovers are to keep an eye on the newly-improved flyovers and make sure that the city’ beautification project will be well-maintained in addition to ensuring peace and order in their respective areas. (CEBU NEWS)