THE Cebu City Council is seeking the removal of the fences put up at the Parian Fire Station, citing restricted public access and the perennial traffic congestion and illegal parking in the area along the Parian Plaza.
Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, in her privilege speech during the regular session on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, sparked the discussion among city councilors regarding Parian Plaza and the traffic situation in the area along Sikatuna St., Mabini St. and Isagani St.
Pesquera said the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has fenced a portion of the city-owned plaza, including the heritage monument and the surrounding open space, limiting public access to BFP personnel and vehicles only.
With access being blocked, she said the BFP might have overstepped the authority granted to them by the City Government.
She explained that the Parian barangay captain expressed to her the dismay over the situation, citing concerns of double parking by BFP personnel along Sikatuna St. hindering the smooth flow of traffic in the area.
Pesquera added that the fence blocked traffic in the area, which is also a tourist spot due to the presence of nearby historical buildings.
Pesquera called for the BFP to remove the fence and any improvements they have made on Parian Plaza.
“The urgent need is for co-sharing of the plaza; one is the drop-off of the tourist’s area, as well as for the official use of the parking by the barangay, as well as the police station,” said Pesquera.
In a resolution, Pesquera requested the Office of the Building Official to file appropriate cases against the “illegal fencing” and asked the Cebu City Transportation Office to assign personnel to manage traffic in the area.
A corollary motion from Councilor Jerry Guardo endorsed the issue to the City Planning Office for consideration in future development plans.
Councilor Rey Gealon also raised a motion urging police personnel from Station One and the Cebu City Police Office to address the traffic situation in Parian.
Gealon said parking spaces of the nearby Police Station One have already encroached on Sikatuna St., the same with barangay vehicles from the nearby barangay hall.
Guardo also filed a motion to request the Department of Engineering and Public Works to conduct a socio-economic survey in the area.
City Councilor James Anthony Cuenco floated the possibility of the BFP relocating to another area.
Pesquera’s resolution concluded with a request to the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, and Enhancement team to remove illegal infrastructure along Sikatuna Street. / EHP