WHO names a park?
Some members of the Cebu City Council had to ask, especially since two newly opened parks—Magellan's Park and Senior Citizens' Park—were named without the consent of the legislators.
The Council directed the Cebu City Zoning Board to clarify how public parks in the city are named.
This came about when the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC) recommended the declaration of some parks and religious places as cultural and historical sites.
The recommendation was presented to the Council through Councilors Nestor Archival Sr., Alvin Arcilla and Alvin Dizon.
In their resolution, the proponents want Malacañang sa Sugbo, Compania Maritima, Senior Citizen's Park, Magellan's Park, Plaza Independencia, Fort San Pedro, Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and its old convent to be declared as cultural and historical sites, for educational and tourism purposes.
But Councilor Sisinio Andales was quick to point out the inclusion of Fuente Osmeña in the list of sites.
“I want to convey my objection... Any names must (go through) the Council,” said Andales.
Councilor Gerardo Carillo agreed with Andales.
He said that under the Section 13-B of the Local Government Code, the City Council has the power to name places based on the recommendation of CHAC.
The Senior Citizen's Park and Magellan's Park were constructed through Mayor Michael Rama's initiative. Both parks are across the Executive Building of the Cebu City Hall.
Rama said that the two parks were built to provide more open spaces for the public.
Because of the questions raised, CHAC's recommendation and the accompanying Council resolution were referred back to the zoning board.