THE Cagayan de Oro City Government's Hapsay Sapa program is getting recognition internationally, winning the 2018 Asian Townscape Award from the Asia-Pacific regional office of the U.N. Habitat, a city official said.
Patrick Gabutina, Hapsay Sapa program coordinator said, the program involves transforming or rehabilitating major creeks in the city to linear parks.
The project is successful in urban barangays, particularly barangays 22, 26, and Lapasan, and they plan to take it to upstream areas, he added.
“I think what they liked in this project is how we involve the community. We do things differently, we don’t issue a notice of eviction or demolition to the illegal settlers beside the creeks, we talk to them instead, make them understand. Sure it's a longer process but at the end of the day they are the ones who volunteer to help. This process is more sustainable especially if we engage the community,” he said.
Established in 2010, the award aims to honor significant efforts made by Asian cities and organizations to improve, revitalize and create a beautiful and harmonious townscape that is safe, sustainable and respectful of history and local cultures. It is organized by the UN Habitat.
The award also highlights the people's efforts to create more beautiful, sustainable, resilient and environmentally friendly townscape at the city, district and community levels.
“We are still waiting for the details of the award and when can we get it. But we are just so overwhelmed that the project is being recognized internationally,” he added.