Defacing the Cebu Capitol
ABy T an impressionable age, I recall the sighing refrain of my father Rene Espina as governor of the Province of Cebu. The provincial building had been provided with a 12-lane avenue fronting the Capitol. The entire vista could be viewed and marveled by local and foreign tourists a full kilometer from Fuente Osmeña. What a majestic sight of an iconic structure, with evenings bathed in ample light. It is one of the most beautiful capitols constructed in the country, similar to the grander US Congress in Washington, DC, with the familiar dome. Sadly, the politics of gain intervened. What remains for the senses and progeny to inherit is confined to the middle head, minus periphery.
There is really a disconnect when, these days, public officials to fail to realize the rationale why museums and old churches must have long walk-ways, lawns before arriving at what are always elevated steps, with wide, manicured gardens and pathways. They are sign of reverence, edification, authority, stability and permanence. Unfortunately, the mind-set remains “sari-sari store,” retail at the sidewalk, turn a quick profit. A failed marriage of modernity and heritage.
There is a plan by the provincial government to build a 20-story building right of the Cebu Capitol. This is creating negative ripples among Cebuanos. A PR firm was contracted by officials to smooth over the R1.5-billion loan project. Architect Felino Palafox has a term I borrow — “uglification,” of the historic three-story capitol complex, including violation of a heritage site. Picture the US Congress dome dwarfed by a towering 50-story rectangular building immediate to the right. There would be a howl of protest from the American public, biting editorials, and pelting commentaries from major US media.
You cannot deface the history of such a central landmark. Even if the reasoning is to improve provincial services, and accept private offices/tenants as well. The traffic of people and congestion of vehicles alone with in the limited capitol compound would be horrendous.
The province has other large properties where the project may be located. The huge loan could be applied instead to better current services or rebuild condemned structures. Indeed, the loan is “smart” and timely when election fever is incipient and a huge war-chest is required for the upcoming campaign.