Senior citizen’s park under bridge soon

CEBU, Philippines - A leisure park intended for senior citizens will soon be constructed in Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Paz Radaza said.

Radaza said they have yet to reveal the exact date of the construction but the Senior Citizens’ Park will be built within the year under the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge.

The P24-million worth project, according to the mayor, is the idea of her daughter, city lone district Representative Aileen Radaza.

Since houses below the bridge which is part of Sitio Seaside, Barangay Pajo will have to be demolished to give way for the park, Radaza said the city government discussed the plan with the house owners, but some of them did not attend the public consultation.

“Wala sila motunga when we called them. Anyway, duna man sad ta’y ihatag nga financial assistance,” Radaza said.

More than 80 families living below the bridge, who will be affected by the demolition, will be given P10,000 financial assistance as well as goods through the City Social Welfare and Development, said Radaza.

According to the mayor, building a Senior Citizens’ Park will be helpful for the barangay in terms of tourism.

“Makaayo man for the barangay kay naa dinha in connection sa tourism nila. Kung dili, we will look for some other place to put the Senior Citizens’ Park,” she said.

Since the city has no relocation site, Radaza said the families will be the ones to secure a place to build their houses.

Aside from senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs) can also visit and spend their leisure time in the park, she added.

“Ang favor ato gihatag sa Barangay Pajo para naa sad kabisitaan ang mga senior citizens, nga nganha magpondo sila. Gani, mga PWD ato gi-avail dinha,” she said.

If the park will push through, this would be the second in the city near the Mactan Channel. The other one is found below the Marcelo Fernan Bridge in Barangay Pusok. —(FREEMAN)