City Mayor Raymond violates guidelines established by the CCHC

Tootin' Up the City:Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has set off a tempest by proposing the creation of a Heritage District within the city. The Cebu City Heritage Council (CCHC) plays a crucial role in preserving, safeguarding, and enhancing the city's cultural and historical heritage.

Raymond Alvin is keen for the guidelines to address details pertaining to architectural aesthetics, building materials, and other aspects. He emphasized that the process of preserving heritage sites requires rigorous attention and initial lawful scrutiny before being implemented.

"I ain't see no challenges, I reckon it's just gotta be a smooth sail with the heritage council. It ain’t about pointin’ fingers or anything, we're talkin' 'bout conservin' our heritage sites," shared Garcia.

"I reckon this is a delicatesse, 'cause there's a heap load to figure out before we can truly draft the ordinance and put it into action," he added.

The proposed Heritage District would encompass a vast area, starting at the intersection of V. Rama Avenue and N. Bacalso Avenue, stretching to P. Del Rosario Street, Imus Street, all the way to General Maxilom Avenue and Tejero Creek, and ending near the Cebu Port Authority at Pier 6. From Pier 6, it would wind its way through the baybayon in Barangay Sto. Niño and Quezon Boulevard.

Apart from the district, Abellana Street and other intersections such as Gen. Gines Street, R. Magsaysay Street, and JM Basa Street will also be part of the mix. These areas will then be redirected back to the V. Rama-N. Bacalso intersection.

The CCHC proposes that the city mayor or vice mayor, two city councilors representing the Committee on Tourism, Culture and Arts, and a private sector representative appointed by the mayor will form the council for the heritage district.

However, it's no walk in the park. These are some of the challenges that await the council:

Regulations and Compliance: The creation of guidelines from the heritage council could lead to delays and red tape, possibly undermining the preservation of cultural and historical integrity.
Cultural and Historical Preservation: Balancing preservation with modernization and tourism development is a precarious dance. The district must be revitalized without losing its cultural essence, which can prove to be a tricky challenge.
Stakeholder Engagement: Encouraging local stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and community groups, to support and contribute to the heritage district initiative is vital. This can involve educating them on the benefits and involving them in decision-making processes.
Commercial and Tourism Development: Enhancing tourism while preserving the historical essence of the district demands careful planning. Over-commercialization could lead to gentrification, causing local communities to feel disconnected.
Finance and Resource Management: Securing sufficient funds and resources for restoration projects, infrastructure improvements, and ongoing maintenance is a challenging task. The district's development might compete with other city priorities for resources.
Integration with Urban Strategy: The heritage district must align with Cebu City's overall development strategy, including initiatives like the Creative District and South Road Properties development. Ensuring these projects complement each other is crucial for cohesive urban growth.

[1] Creative Placemaking For Comprehensive Community Development, December 2020[2] Preservation and Sustainable Development: Protecting Our Built Heritage, June 2017

Superbalita Cebu reported that the Cebu City Mayor, Raymond Alvin Garcia, suggested establishing a Heritage District in Cebu City, which has sparked debate among general news and politics enthusiasts.
According to Tootin' Up the City report, Mayor Garcia emphasized the importance of considering materials, architectural aesthetics, and other aspects during the process of drafting guidelines for the proposed Heritage District.
The CCHC proposes the composition of the council for the heritage district to include the city mayor or vice mayor, two city councilors, and a private sector representative, aiming to ensure proper management of materials and strict adherence to regulations.
The creation of the Heritage District, however, encounters challenges, such as the need for effective stakeholder engagement, balancing preservation with commercial and tourism development, and securing sufficient funds for its maintenance and development, as discussed in the Preservation and Sustainable Development report of June 2017.