Tomas: Chinatown center to help small businesses

Lots of economic potentials are being seen by Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña in the proposal to establish a Chinatown center in the city.

Osmeña said that those who disagree with the idea should not only think about the Chinese getting the credit, but rather on the economic benefits that the small and medium-scale businesses of Cebuanos will get.

“It has a growing potential. It depends on many things but it can be a growth area. It’s a possible plus factor for the city if it’s well accepted,” he told reporters.

Councilor Jerry Guardo has proposed an ordinance seeking to convert the whole downtown area of the city as Chinatown center. The proposal aims to recognize the role of the private sector, especially the Chinese lineage, which led the economic boom of the city’s downtown area.

Under the proposed ordinance, the city will form a Cebu City Chinatown Development Council, which will adopt and prepare the development plan, including the putting up of Welcome Arch for the Chinatown, the architectural landscape, and engineering design.

An initial budget of P2 million will be set aside for the improvement of the infrastructures and the installation of the welcome arch, among others.

Osmeña said the establishment of Chinatown center would mean growth of businesses for Cebuanos depending on how it is planned and implemented.

“Let me point out, it has nothing to do whether they deserve it or not. It has to do with what the industry might help support our economy because we now have 11 flights from China everyday and it’s growing very fast,” the mayor said.

Osmeña said the Chinatown will not only cater products from China but also to other countries like Korea, among others.

He described those who criticized the proposal as “shallow minded” as they do not think of what is good for the city.

“If we develop this concept of a Chinatown in Cebu, it would mean a lot of business for Cebuanos. It would, I’m not saying it will. It depends on how it is planned. It’s a business opportunity because they already expressed their interest here,” he added.

Osmeña said he will support anything that will help the city’s growth.

“I look for what’s good for the city. And we cannot dictate that. We have to adjust to global sentiment. It’s another wave. The economic development of Cebu depends on our ability to ride that wave,” he said.

The proposed ordinance of Guardo is still being studied by the City Council’s Committee on laws, ordinances, and styling and the Cultural Historical Affairs Commission. It will soon be submitted for public hearing.