In reference to Norman Schriever’s column on “5 ways to make Dumaguete world-class”, I would like to add that I lived in Dumaguete for some 11 years and I waged a losing battle on two fronts:
1. Pedestrianization of the Rizal Boulevard, Catada Market Street and Perdices Street on weekends. The Foundation University Community organized several events to test the feasibility of the proposals, all successfully carried out, attended City Councils public hearings…but our efforts failed. Can’t understand why in an supposedly enlightened university community.
Dumaguete City has all the characteristics of being a “Walkable City,” defined as a place where at least seven important places are within walking distances (city hall, school, market, church, hospital, shopping center, transport station, and public library). Cities all over the world enthusiastically compete for the title of “most walkable city.”
2. Protection and preservation of the Banica River. Foundation University launched and sustained a campaign for this purpose for several years but once again, with minimal or no support from the City Government.
I hope you will continue to write about Dumaguete City and the need for Dumaguetenos to protect and preserve its unique and God-given beauty and grace.
Aparicio Mequi
[email protected]
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});