TWO senators have pledged to help renovate the Dr. Jose Rizal Public Library, which began operating 24/7 during the weekend.
For now, the plans include renovating Sinulog Hall on the level above the library, in order to create more space for students in need of a place to study. Sen. Risa Hontiveros has reportedly pledged P3 million, while Sen. Richard Gordon has asked City Hall for a program of works and estimates, which will help him decide how much from his office to allocate.
“We will also be renovating other unused City-owned buildings and rooms around the city to serve as local study centers to give students an alternative to coffee shops,” said Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña in a Facebook post dated March 10.
Better facilities await visitors of the Dr. Jose Rizal Public Library on Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City that is now open 24/7.
In a Facebook post dated March 10, Mayor Tomas Osmeña said that two senators will extend help to renovate the library.
“I am happy to announce that Senators Risa Hontiveros and Dick Gordon have both pledged to help renovate the library. Sen. Risa is allocating P3 million from her office,” reads a portion of the post.
Assistant City Administrator Annabeth Cuizon said that the executive department has al- ready submitted its proposal for the library’s renovation to Hontiveros’ office last week.
As for Gordon, the mayor said that his office was asked to submit a program of works and estimates (POWE) on the renovation within this week, which will then be basis for the aid that the senator will allocate.
Alternative
“I’ve known him since we were both mayors. I’m sure he will help a lot. With this support, we will be able to renovate the Sinulog Hall on top of the library, which can easily accommodate another 200 students. We will also be renovating other unused City Government-owned buildings and rooms around the city to serve as local study centers to give students an alternative to coffee shops,” Osmeña said.
At present, the library has a seating capacity of around 200. But after it started operating for 24 hours, hundreds have flocked to the facility.
Over a thousand people have visited the place as of 4:15 p.m. last Saturday since it started operating for the whole day last March 9. (RTF)