Cebu City government pushing for tartanilla promotion

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government is giving a much needed boost to the fading traditional mode of transportation in the country, particularly in Cebu-- the tartanilla.

The “Tartanilla sa Kilomkilom” was launched last Sunday night, Dec 3, where a total of 20 tartanillas were paraded during the tree-lighting activity at the Compania Maritima area.

The tartanilla is a two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage that was introduced during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines.

Before the launch, the tartanillas underwent a facelift with no less than some of Cebu’s local artists showcasing their skills with art works on the tartanillas.

A competition was also done to further encourage the tartanilla owners and artists to participate.

Lord Prince Lawas’ tartanilla emerged as the best tartanilla during the event with the artwork of artist Roberto Gonzales.

Aside from artworks painted over the tartanillas, led lights were also installed through the support of some sponsors.

“Kamong mga kutsero, pinangga kayo ta mo,” Rama said through a live feed from Australia while also recalling that his grandfather, the late Don Vicente Rama, ensured that all tartanillas had lights way back then.

“Ang akong lolo, si Don Vicente Rama, nagbuhat og balaod kinanglan tanang tartanilya, nay suga kaniadto pa,” Rama recalls.

Mayor Rama also gave due credit to one of his staff, Cinbeth Orellano for spearheading the project.

Apart from providing transportation for some people and employment to the tartanilla owners, the “Tartanilla sa kilomkilom” aims to highlight the tartanilla’s cultural significance and role in Cebu’s history.

Along with it, it hopes to promote local tourism while also revitalizing traditional forms of livelihood that are still existing today.

Initially, the said project will run for the whole month of December from 7 to 11 pm.

A carousel route is being designed for them.This is from the Freedom park to Magallanes street going to MC Briones, P.Burgos Street, Compania Maritima, the National Museum-Cebu, to Fort San Pedro and back to Freedom Park.

Acting mayor Raymond Garcia is also delighted for the project, although he admits having some reservations being the chairman on the committee on animal welfare as well.

The City’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries though is extending care to the horses being utilized in the tartanillas. — (FREEMAN)