Gwen, Mike campaigns for beautiful Cebu

The “long walk” to raise P50 million for the planned revitalization of the Osmeña Boulevard has began.

Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia and Mayor Michael Rama yesterday walked the entire stretch of Osmeña Boulevard from Plaza Independencia to the provincial Capitol grounds to solicit funds and encourage participation in the revitalization plans.

The two top officials were joined by businesswoman and Beautiful Cebu Movement Inc. chairperson Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung, movement members and business sector representatives.

“I want all of us to help,” said Rama.

Governor Garcia said she, too, wanted to help in the Beautiful Cebu Movement’s revitalization plans.

“Whatever assistance we will be giving will be given directly to the foundation,” she said in a television interview.

The Beautiful Cebu Movement has to raise at least P50 million to transform Osmeña Boulevard into a Spanish-era walkway with brick sidewalks and colonial lamps.

Indian trees would be planted along the center island, garbage cans placed on the sidewalk and drainage and canals cleaned to prevent flooding.

Mayor Rama wanted walls painted with images depicting the old Cebu.

Yeung said in an earlier interview that her group is forming a foundation that would accept cash donations from businesses and any kind-hearted Cebuanos for the revitalization project.

Yeung, who is a close friend of Garcia and Rama, has pledged P1 million while businessman Bunny Pages P100, 000.

Garcia, Rama and Beautiful Cebu members gathered at the Fort San Pedro yesterday for a 2 p.m. Mass, which was later followed by the “unity walk.”

Even the drizzle failed to dampen the spirit of the walk participants who spoke of their plans for Osmeña Boulevard while they traversed the three-kilometer road.

Meanwhile, the head of the Cebu City Parks and Playgrounds Commission announced yesterday the postponement of the reopening of the newly rehabilitated Plaza Independencia from May 1 to May 8.

Dr. Librando Macaraya said Plaza’s reopening is timed with the founding anniversary of Fort San Pedro. /WITH reports from Joy Cherry Quito, UPV Tacloban Intern