Rama asks businesses to help restore old Colon

Horse-drawn carriages have been replaced by motorized vehicles plying Colon, the oldest street in the Philippines. (CDN Photo/Junjie Mendoza)

CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama called on businesses to help his administration implement his plan to restore the “old Colon” area.

Rama commended the Gaisano family for opening a new establishment along Colon Street.

The mayor was guest of honor at yesterday’s  opening of the Super Metro Colon.

The department store is located on the property which used to be occupied by the old Gazini Plaza.

Rama said setting-up businesses in the area “creates excitement” and “magnificence” for Colon Street which used to be the business center in  Cebu.

Rama said he is also grateful to other investors like the Gullas, Rodriguez and Avila families for continually operating their businesses in the area.

The mayor said he would need the help of businesses along Colon Street in implementing these rehabilitation plans while the Cebu City government addresses other concerns like flooding.

“We don’t have to think of giving them tax credits (for participating in the city’s revitalization project).  If the Gaisanos can do it, the others can do the same also,” Rama said.

Rama said businessmen don’t need tax credits to continue their business operations and participate in city government projects for as long as they feel secure.

“What businesses need is peace and order, basic services and good governance to commensurate in giving back to the city,” the mayor said.

Rama said he will be convening members of his Colon revitalization project which includes Women’s International League, Muslim traders, vendors groups and Cebuano architects and planners to formulate plans on his Colon revitalization project.

“They can start by having buildings in the area painted (to make the structures be at par with our old Colon project),” he said.

Rama said he also wanted more street lights installed to brighten the stretch of Colon Street, specifically from the corner of Mabini Street to Panganiban Street.

The mayor also wanted the sidewalks leveled to make this accessible even to the elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Rama said sidewalk vendors should organize themselves and wear uniforms to make their vending areas attractive.