Vice mayoral aspirant criticizes Talisay Park

CEBU, Philippines - As the city is rich in colorful history and culture, the Talisay Park that was constructed in front of the City Hall, does not reflect its cultural and historical landscapes.

“The city government should consult with the Historical Commission so that the park will reflect the history and culture of the people in Talisay,” opposition City Councilor Romeo Villarante said yesterday.

The park, which was started last year, has a grand fountain in the center, and horse statues by the gate, which was reportedly patterned from a Johannesburg park in South Africa.

Villarante pointed out that the park has no symbolism for being a Talisaynon.

“Unsa man ang nagsimbolo sa maong park? It’s nice but it has no meaning,” Villarante said.

It was Cebu 1st district Rep. Eduardo Gullas’ wife, Norma Selma-Gullas, who conceptualized the design for free.

Villarante, who is running for vice mayor under the Liberal Party, asks Gullas to reveal the actual cost of the Plaza Talisay.

“How much is the national government spending for the Talisay park? There are other priorities aside from the extravagant plaza,” Villarante said.

While the city can splurge millions of pesos on a grand park like this, the city has no money for its drainage system, which could have solved the flooding problem, Villarante said.

Gullas, who is on his third and last term as district representative, will be running for mayor in Talisay.

But Gullas said that rather than be criticized, his wife should be praised because she’s helping Talisay at no cost.

Gullas, however, said that he could not say as to how much the project costs, as it is the Department of Public Works and Highway’s second engineering district that is implementing it.

He, however, admitted sourcing out P10 million as its initial funds from his Priority Development Assistance Fund.  (FREEMAN)