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THE City Council of Cagayan de Oro unanimously passed a resolution that designates some landmarks as Historical and Cultural Properties.
The decision, led by City Mayor Rolando A. Uy, highlights the city’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage.
The resolution, based on the Philippine Constitution and Republic Act No. 10066, aims to protect and promote the historical and cultural heritage of the city.
The extensive research and assessment conducted by the City Museum and Heritage Center endorses these key landmarks.
Among the recognized places are El Pueblo A Sus Heroes Monument, Gaston Park, Golden Friendship Park, Jose Rizal Monument, and the Cagayan Waterworks Tank. These landmarks have great historical and cultural importance for Cagayan de Oro.
Elson T. Elizaga, who served as secretary of the now defunct Heritage Conservation Advocates for the Preservation of the Bridges and Roads, an organization dedicated to the protection of heritage structures, praised the city government’s move.
According to him, the recognition of these landmarks as Historical and Cultural Properties serves as a testament to their importance in the history and cultural identity of the city.
However, Elizaga clarified that Ramil Balquin, city planning division head, has nothing to do with the preservation of those landmarks.
Balquin, during the ‘Planning and Development: In Focus’ program organized last Thursday by the City Information Office, said that the work to replace the nearly 100-year-old Ysalina bridge with a new four-lane that bridge will start early next year.
The Ysalina Bridge, inaugurated on August 26, 1931, is the oldest of the five bridges in Cagayan de Oro City.
Although it is not the first bridge in the city, it remains the oldest bridge in the city.
Elizaga advised Balquin to familiarize himself with the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 and consult the Historical and Cultural Commission to better understand heritage preservation.
However, when asked at the city hall if we should replace the Ysalina bridge, “Mayor Uy does not want one over the other. He thinks we should consider everything, including protecting historical and heritage sites,” said a city hall official who asked not to be named.
“Balquin made a mistake by focusing only on engineering. But remember, this is just his opinion. It is important to have discussions and gather input from others,” the official said.
Elizaga also recalled an incident where a professor from Xavier University asked engineering students to visit the ruined Huluga archaeological site, highlighting the value that engineers place on the protection and preservation of heritage.
Although Elizaga cannot remember the name of the professor, he emphasizes that even the current position of the Xavier University engineering school supports the preservation of the heritage.
The City Museum and Heritage Center, endorsed by Mayor Uy, conducted a thorough analysis and analysis to identify and verify these significant landmarks.
The resolution also requires that it be pushed to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in Metro Manila, as well as to Mayor Rolando A. Uy and the City Museum and Heritage Center for their reference and information.
The decision of the Sangguniang Panlungsod shows its commitment to preserve and protect the rich heritage of Cagayan de Oro for present and future generations.
The recognition of these landmarks as Historical and Cultural Properties serves as a testament to their importance in the city’s historical and cultural identity.
Considering the recent designation of these landmarks, Balquin’s statements are not in line with the stance of Mayor Uy’s administration.
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