CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has ordered the relocation of select Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel, vehicles, and equipment from Barangay Parian to decongest the area and pave the way for the restoration of the historic Parian Plaza.
In a resolution approved during the April 21 regular session, Councilors Nyza “Nice” Archival and Rhea Mae Jakosalem moved to adopt the recommendation of the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC), which called for the pullout of BFP resources not directly assigned to the Parian Sub-Station.
The measure directs that these personnel and assets be returned to their respective “mother stations,” allowing the site to be cleared for rehabilitation and restoration.
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Decongesting a heritage site
The resolution is anchored on heritage protection laws, including Republic Act No. 11961, which classifies Spanish and American-era plazas and public squares as National Historic Sites.
These sites are considered Grade I cultural properties and are mandated for preservation and protection.
The council said the continued use of portions of Parian Plaza as a motor pool and staging area has contributed to congestion and limited its function as a public open space.
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Backed by barangay, heritage body
The BFP pullout from Parian follows a formal request from Barangay Parian through Board Resolution No. 2026-11, which sought the relocation of the BFP sub-station motor pool and the full restoration of the plaza.
CHAC, exercising its mandate under City Ordinance No. 1098 and local heritage conservation policies, endorsed the proposal through Board Resolution No. 14, series of 2026.
The commission emphasized that historic plazas serve not only as cultural landmarks but also as vital open spaces for public gatherings, environmental relief, and emergency use.
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Restoring public use
In its recommendation, CHAC stressed that plazas like Parian are essential “breathing spaces” in urban areas, particularly amid rising environmental and public health concerns.
It added that preserving these spaces ensures their availability as evacuation areas during disasters such as earthquakes and fires.
With the BFP pullout from Parian, the city aims to restore Parian Plaza’s dual role as a heritage landmark and a functional public space for residents.
The resolution authorizes the Sangguniang Panlungsod to furnish copies to the Office of the Mayor, CHAC, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and Barangay Parian for appropriate action.
