Public spaces and public transport

Mayor Tomas Osmeña deserves commendation for two laudable projects; the public library and the BEEP. So much can be done really with political will. The projects do not really have to be costly as well to provide maximum benefits to the public.

Having an accessible, free, quiet, and safe public place to read, to study, to review for exams is a beautiful gift that the public deserves. With the strong support of Mayor Tom, Cebu City’s public library is a genuine showcase of a city government’s concern for the residents, especially for the youth and the students.

Public libraries enhance quality of life, providing the public space and resources to enrich learning, literacy and leisure. If well-equipped and safe, public libraries offer space and options for families. Children can have their much-needed area for playing and learning. Parents can find precious time to relax and rest knowing the kids are secure within the library premise. Adults can enjoy the quiet atmosphere to catch up on news and information.

Public libraries can serve as social equalizer as well, providing informal education options for the poor and the out-of-school children. A more developed program can be planned to provide education to as many as can be served by public libraries.

Art and cultural events can also be scheduled for the public to enjoy, for free. Having available galleries can support local artists and allow for culture to grow and bloom within the city. Rain or shine, the public libraries can be there for all to enjoy.

The recent announcement about the introduction of language classes will provide more opportunity for cultural bridging and for employment prospects as well. Cebu City is also opening the door wider for international cooperation for education and learning.

Aside from the city library, we look forward to additional public libraries, if possible, in every barangay. The community libraries do not have to be expensive. A committed space with committed resources that can be tapped through a network of partners may provide the youth and adults with an alternative haven to positively and constructively channel their energy and thirst for learning and experience.

Can we include other public spaces in our dream list for a livable Cebu? Until now, we are still searching for safe, healthy public spaces for children to run free, to their heart’s content! Rather than witness our children losing their time and vision tuned in to TV and the internet, can the city also provide more parks and guided activities as healthy options for children?

The public parks can benefit not only the young but the elderly and the PWDs as well. Green spaces, clean and safe public areas, will improve the quality of life of all. Funds for developing and maintaining such public spaces can be crowdsourced and crowdfunded. With local and international multi-sectoral networking, the government and private groups and individuals can plan together the development of public spaces to benefit all!

Mayor Tom’S BEEP Project is also making commuters smile. What a welcome sight to have clean, well-equipped, accessible public transport at various points in this city! Although still in experimental and trial mode, the project is providing a more convenient and healthier public transport option for city residents. Imagine commuting through traffic comfortably in an air-conditioned bus with internet connection! That option will certainly encourage more to use the BEEP rather than their own private or other conventional public vehicles.

Thank you, Mayor Tom, and here’s looking forward to more public projects to benefit the public! Padayon ta, together!