Unsigned agreement ‘stalls’ Colon revitalization program
THE Cebu City Government is scheduled to start the master plan for the Colon Revitalization program as soon as the multipleparty agreement between the City and the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is signed.
Councilor Nendell Hanz Abella already pushed for a resolution authorizing Mayor Michael Rama to en- ter into an agreement with NCCA before the council.
The proposed agreement was also referred to the committee on laws for comments and recommendations.
Under the proposed agreement, NCCA will provide P5 million as financial assistance to the City. The amount will be released in tranches.
The first tranche of P1.5 million will be re- leased as soon as requirements like the approved agreement, issuance of an official receipt, approved proponent eligibility and proposed schedule of activities are met.
The second tranche will amount to P3 million, while the last will be P500,000.
The City Legal Office has already reviewed and endorsed the proposed agreement.
“After a careful reading of the provisions of the multiple party agreement reveal that they are in accordance with law, rules and regulations and are not contrary to morals, good customs, public order and public policy,” read the review document prepared by lawyer June Ibone Maratas.
Unsigned agreement stalls Colon revitalization program
The P5 million was provided by Sen. Pia Cayetano through the NCCA.
The master plan will be formulated by the University of San Carlos.
The revitalization project is headed by City Legal Officer Jerone Castillo. Its aim is to protect, restore and rehabilitate Colon.
It was created by an executive order (EO) issued by Rama last year.
The project will include the establishment of boundary markers, particularly besides McDonald’s Colon.
The EO also provides that the aesthetic value of Colon will be enhanced to make it “glamorous” and “elegant” just like other world- class shopping centers.