Wednesday, June 04, 2008 City joins CBM 2008 with Colon festival
THE Cebu City Government, together with the private sector, has intensified its efforts to revitalize the downtown area through a project that aims to promote and revive the “old glory” of Colon Street.
Although it is already on its third year, it is only now that the Downtown Revitalization Project, spearheaded by the office of Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama, is made of the Cebu Business Month (CBM), which is slated to open on Friday.
George Chu, president of the Downtown Revitalization Project, said during the 888 News Forum yesterday that Colon Street and the entire downtown area have been neglected both by the government and the private sector because of the establishment of new business destinations in the city, especially in the uptown area.
The 10-year project aims to bring back investments to Colon and promote the preservation of the “old town,” he said.
For the project to succeed, the City Government and the private sector-which is comprised of schools, business establishments and different vendor associations—have identified a problems that need to be addressed within the project’s time plan.
The topmost concern in the downtown area, said Chu, is the drainage system there that has been made ineffective by the growing volume of garbage that is thrown into sewers.
He said there is also a need to look into the peace and order situation in the downtown area since many people feel unsafe there.
“Downtown malls close as early as 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. due to security reasons,” he said.
He also pointed out that light bulbs on electric posts downtown have been stolen, which is why several parts of Cebu City’s old business district are unlit and dangerous.
Ma. Theresa Chan, chairperson of CBM 2008, said that she agrees with Chu that the peace and order situation in downtown Cebu City needs to be addressed.
She suggested that the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry board ask City Mayor Tomas Osmeña look into the concerns of business stakeholders in Colon Street.
The Cebu City Government will initiate the Colon Shopping Festival, which will feature a night market that is targeted to open on Saturday. In preparation of the festival, members of the Downtown Revitalization Project will conduct a cleanup drive in the downtown area. Aside from the City Government, barangay officials in the Colon area are also asked to take part in the cleanup.
About 200 local traders are expected to participate in the Colon night market.
Business establishments in the downtown area were also encouraged to hold a sale during the festival, Chu said.
Project proponents have also initially identified 50 anti-crime groups, policemen and cleaners to maintain security and order at the night market.
At present, the project team is finalizing the details of the festival and is also waiting for the Cebu City Council to approve the resolution for the activity. (DME)
