THE Cagayan de Oro City Council committee on tourism is expressing its concern over a government project that could destroy a historical site in Barangay Bayanga.
City Councilor Jay Roa Pascual, tourism committee chairperson has called on a meeting with the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) who is currently working on a road widening project in the area.
Pascual said the project could disturb the Macahambus cave and its entire area if the project will pursue. The Macahambus historical site is protected by the National Historical Institute.
Pascual said while he welcomes new developments in the city, especially road projects which promotes ease of doing business and accessibility, he however cannot allow it if a site with a historical significance will be destroyed in exchange for the project.
"To sacrifice one's history is like erasing one's part. More importantly, the area of Macahambus Hill where the Macahambus cave is located is where the Cagayanons won its first victory against the Americans during the war in June 4, 1900. That is why the National Historical Institute has placed its marker outside the cave entrance to protect it," he said.
Currently, DPWH personnel skipped the work on the historical site while officials are still trying to resolve the road right-of-way problem.
Pascual, is also the councilor who urged barangay officials to identify their own local tourist destinations as he intends to create a comprehensive tourism plan for the city with the participation of the city's 80 barangays.