Tartanillas such as this are commonly seen in downtown Cebu City. | Doris C. Bongcac
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City Vice Mayor Alvin Garcia’s proposed ordinance designating downtown Cebu City as a heritage district is now for review.
Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera referred the proposal to the council’s Committee on Laws, Ordinances, and Styling for review on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
Garcia’s proposed ordinance, endorsed last August 16, designates downtown area as a heritage district and creates the Cebu City Heritage District Council.
The vice mayor said that it seeks to promote tourism, drive economic growth, improve urban landscapes, promote civic pride and identity, diversify local experiences, and elevate the city’s brand.
In his proposal, the Cebu City Heritage District shall cover the following areas:
- The intersection of V. Rama Avenue and N. Bacalso Street, to P. Del Rosario Street, to Imus Street, and to the intersection with General Maxilom Avenue and Tejero Creek.
- Endpoint of Tejero Creek at Pier CPA, along the COA shoreline to the boundary line of Barangay Sto. Niño, and along the shoreline of Quezon Boulevard.
- Abellana Street, the intersection with Gen. Gines Street, the intersection with R. Magsaysay Street, and the intersection with JM Basa Street, before returning to the starting point of V. Rama – N. Bacalso intersection.
Moreover, Garcia said that Cebu City has been recognized as an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) City of Culture and has participated in the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities International Network.
“Recognizing the potential benefits of a heritage district as evidenced by global examples such as George Town Malaysia and China Town Singapore, and in line with national pursuits of cultural preservation, the City of Cebu intends to declare its downtown area as a heritage district,” Garcia stated.
Meanwhile, Garcia said in his proposal that the Cebu City Heritage District Council will develop and manage the Cebu City Heritage District.
The said council will comprise multi-sectoral representatives from the civil society, business enterprises, and the government.
/bmjo
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