Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama | CDN Digital file photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama has expressed his disapproval over the groundbreaking for the Carbon Market modernization program in a privilege speech delivered shortly after what he called a “hasty” event.
Rama, who has raised issues on the project especially on its cultural impact on the market and the vendors in it, questionned why Megawide Construction Corp. could not wait to break ground after all issues has been settled.
The vice mayor specifically clarified that he has signified his absence on the event and has not authorized anyone to represent him there, as a protest to a project, which he believes needs more negotiations.
READ: Megawide Carbon Market modernization breaks ground
“Unsa kahay kahulogan sa groundbreaking nga kinahanglan man dalion? All the while I was expecting nga we will be back in the council, han-ay na tanan, kay daghan pa kaayog tan-awonon,” said Rama.
He pointed out in his privilege speech that the council has the job to protect the welfare of its constituents and uphold the law, especially in the case when negotiations over certain issues in the contract has not been finalized.
Rama is specifically is concerned that the cultural and historical significance of the Carbon Market will be destroyed during this modernization.
The Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC), which Rama chairs, has released a resolution, demanding that Megawide submit the plans on the development of the market so that the commission can verify if the plans reflect the historical significance of the market and if the intended development would conform to the standards set forth of the National Historical Commission.
Furthermore, Rama said that Megawide must settle the issues the vendors have raised before the council can allow the project to push through.
Councilor Alvin Dizon agrees with Rama saying that there should be more evaluation of the projects since many of the buildings in Carbon has historical value.
Councilor Joel Garganera agrees as well and said that there can be ways to preserve the historical significance amid the modernization through monuments, markers, and other references to the rich heritage of the area.
Garganera said he supports the resolution of CHAC and said that modernization must always be grounded in history and heritage.
Councilor Nestor Archival emphasized that the vendors’ concerns should be paramount before the construction begins and he said that these concerns must be laid out on the table as soon as possible.
“Move that the executive department and Megawide that before the final construction of the Carbon Market the following should be considered: the recommendation of CHAC that addresses the historical and cultural concerns, the financial returns to be discussed on the shares and taxes, and the concerns of the 6,000 vendors, and the concerns of the residents of Barangay Ermita be discussed,” said Archival.
READ: Labella eyes waiving rent for Carbon Market vendors in the next 3 years
The council urged the executive department to ensure that issues will be discussed and settled before the construction can start and to ensure that Megawide will stay true to their agreement afterwards.
/bmjo