THE Capitol was not invited, but there is no law barring it from attending today’s public hearing on a measure seeking to impose entrance fees to a property where the Cebu City zoo stands.
Only 10 schools and universities were invited to speak in today’s City Council consultation scheduled at 1:30 p.m. on City Councilor Nestor Archival’s proposal.
Last year, the Capitol asked the City Government to return the lot, which was part of Cebu Province-owned Lot 1298 in Barangay Kalunasan that was donated to the Boys Scout of the Philippines on Oct. 14, 1963.
Archival proposed a P10 fee each for children three- to 12-years-old and P25 for 13-years-old and above.
A 15 percent discount will be extended to a group of 20 or more people.
Expenses
Archival said the fee is needed because “the sustainability of zoo operations depends on steady revenues for animal food and incidental expenses, separate from any major outlays for technical and civil works.”
The zoo has become controversial after the falling out between Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Cebu City Mayor-on-leave Tomas Osmeña.
Last Oct, 20, the Cebu Provincial Board approved Resolution 3679-2008, informing the City that the Province intends to “withdraw and terminate” the authorization given to the City Government to use, for a zoo, some seven hectares near the BSP campsite.
The PB resolution stated that the lot donation to the BSP excluded the seven hectares that was used for the Cebu City Zoo.
The BSP and the Province late last year signed a Memorandum of Understanding returning Lot 1298, including the seven-hectare portion occupied by the zoo.
PB Member Agnes Magpale had alleged the zoo should be phased out because it is “neglected,” and replaced with a women’s crisis center.
In its official response to Garcia’s demand letter dated Oct. 10, the City, through Acting Mayor Michael Rama, wrote back last Nov. 11 that it is not letting go of the zoo lot.
“(The) Cebu City Government’s continued possession, maintenance and operation of the Cebu City zoo is well grounded,” Rama said. (RHM)
