P5-M study set for the revitalization of old Colon Street

A P5-million master plan study  will be  conducted for the revitalization of Colon Street in Cebu City, the oldest street in the country.

The University of San Carlos (USC), through its conservation arm Conservation of Heritage Studio and Workshop (CHERISH) unit, will undertake the study to be  funded by the national government.

Historically, Colon has been the center of economic activity in Cebu City until the ‘90s when it was overtaken by malls and other upscale developments.

In recent years, the street’s popularity has declined due to urban problems like flooding, pollution, traffic, and petty crimes.

“There is, therefore, a need to revitalize Colon Street to restore it to its former glory. As such a master plan is needed that will serve as guide in making this aspiration into reality,” said the university.

Sen. Pia Cayetano, head of the Senate’s Committee on Education, Culture and Arts of the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) facilitated the funding.

CHERISH director architect Sergio Raagas, Jr. and USC College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA) dean architect Joseph Michael Espina submitted a project proposal to City Legal Officer Jerone Castillo who heads City Hall’s Colon Revitalization Program.

As proposed, the  study will include a comprehensive documentation of the site, structures and utilities along Colon St., assessment of existing problems, a series of  meetings with experts and stakeholders, production of a conservation policy and master plan for Colon St., and periodic supervision during its implementation.

CHERISH has served in different heritage works conducted in Cebu and Bohol.

The most recent were the Rapid Assessment Survey of Heritage Churches after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake and Gabaldon School Building Rehabilitation Projects.