Naga unveils projects to boost tourism sector

CEBU, Philippines — The Naga City government has broken ground and unveiled its “tao” projects that are expected to generate more tourists coming into the city.

These projects are the Pasilong sa Naga and the expansion of the existing boardwalk. Both projects are designed by the world renowned furniture designer and Cebuano businessman Kenneth Cobonpue.

Both projects, according to Naga Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong, are expected to commence by the end of the year.

Chiong said that in partnership with Cobonpue, the Pasilong sa Naga will be a tangible reflection of the quality of life that they aspire in the city.

She said during her second SOCA yesterday that the Pasilong sa Naga is a city garden that provides a place for families and individuals of all ages and economic status to gather, regardless of their ability to pay for access.

"This park shall be a place for health and well-being accessible by all. With this park, we want to erase the misconception of people that government is not capable of providing a facility such as this, because through partnership, it can be done. I am so thankful Mr. Kenneth Cobonpue for his dedication and commitment in crafting the park design," Chiong said.

The City Council likewise passed a resolution recognizing Cobonpue for his dedication and efforts on designing the City of Naga Park dubbed as "Pasiligan sa Naga."

"This administration sees the necessity for establishing a park that is a tangible reflection of the quality of life of the city and in thanks to develop and rehabilitate the old and existing Naga public plaza to a city garden," read the resolution.

Cobonpue said that he has made designs around the world and this is his first time in the Philippines and in Naga City at that, to make a design for a local government unit.

Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat expressed her envy to Chiong as it has been a long time that she courted Cobonpue for a project partnership but it did not materialize.

"Among the reasons why I am here is that pwede mayor turuan mo ako kung paano mo naging partner si Kenneth Cobonpue," Puyat said in jest.

Puyat led the groundbreaking and unveiling of both projects. (FREEMAN)