THE City Council of Cagayan de Oro unanimously passed a resolution designating several landmarks as historical and cultural properties.
The decision, led by City Mayor Rolando 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 safeguard and promote the historical and cultural heritage of the city.
Extensive research and assessment conducted by the City Museum and Heritage Center endorsed these significant landmarks.
Among the recognized sites are El Pueblo A Sus Heroes Monument, Gaston Park, Golden Friendship Park, Jose Rizal Monument, and the Cagayan Waterworks Tank. These landmarks hold great historical and cultural significance for Cagayan de Oro.
Elson T. Elizaga, who served as the secretary of the now-defunct Heritage Conservation Advocates, an organization dedicated to protecting heritage structures, lauded the move by the city government.
He said the recognition of these landmarks as Historical and Cultural Properties serves as a testament to their importance in the city's history and cultural identity.
However, Elizaga clarified that Ramil Balquin, city planning division head, comments do not pertain to the preservation of these recognized landmarks.
Balquin, during the 'Planning and Development: In Focus' program hosted last Thursday by the City Information Office, said work on the replacement of the nearly 100-year-old Ysalina bridge with a new four-lane bridge will start sometime early next year.
The Ysalina Bridge, inaugurated on August 26, 1931, is the oldest among Cagayan de Oro City's five bridges.
Although it is not the city's first bridge, it remains the oldest standing 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 gain a better understanding of heritage preservation.
However, when asked by city hall about whether we need to replace Ysalina bridge, "Mayor Uy doesn't prefer 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 only focusing on engineering. But remember, this is just his opinion. It's 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 damaged Huluga archaeological site, highlighting the value that engineers place on heritage protection and preservation.
Although Elizaga couldn't recall the professor's name, he emphasized that even the current position of Xavier University's engineering school supports heritage preservation.
The City Museum and Heritage Center, endorsed by Mayor Uy, conducted thorough research and assessment to identify and certify these significant landmarks.
The resolution also requires forwarding it 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 City Council's decision demonstrates its commitment to preserving and safeguarding Cagayan de Oro's rich heritage 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 history and cultural identity.
Considering the recent designation of these landmarks, Balquin's remarks do not align with the stance of Mayor Uy's administration.
