THE amphitheater in Plaza Divisoria - Cagayan de Oro City’s iconic and historical landmark - will finally get its much-deserved renovation but architects made sure that they preserve its original design.
During the groundbreaking ceremony Thursday, April 4, architect Maria Linda Escaba, representative of the United Architects of the Philippines-Cagayan de Oro chapter, said they are bringing back the original concept of the place, popularly known as “Amphi”.
“We consider the Amphi as a main cultural aspect of Cagayan de Oro, this was really known as place of gathering for Kagayanons so we hope to preserve and maintain this aspect of the place,” Escaba said.
She said the design will also highlight the Cagayan river. The whole area will be walkable and create more spaces.
The first phase of the project, which costs P76 million, will consist of a multi-level parking building which can accommodate almost 40 vehicles, has an open theater at the upper floor, with cantilevered viewing decks fronting Cagayan river, and has rental office spaces.
The office building is where the barangay hall and police station will be placed.
Funded by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, the project is only part of the total rehabilitation of the Plaza Divisoria, called Project Lunhaw in partnership with the UN Habitat.
City Mayor Oscar Moreno, meanwhile, said former programs, such as boxing events, among others, in the amphitheater will continue after the rehabilitation.
“This is historic, in every community there are always landmarks, and for Cagayan de Oro, it is the Amphi Divisoria. And these are reminders for generations after generations, clear and unequivocal reminders of our past,” he said.