The ordinance that will declare parks, monuments, archways, and markers as historical landmarks will be refiled in the 19th City Council.
Councilor Pilar Braga, who chairs the committee on education, science and technology, arts and culture, will lobby the proposal on first reading of today’s regular session at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
The proposal dates back Jan. 17, 2018 when the Office of the City Mayor, through the Museo Dabawenyo, submitted a list of the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property such as parks, monuments, landmarks archways and markers in the city to the National Commission for Culture and Arts.
Winnie Rose Bulig, in June 2018, the acting administrative officer of the city-run Museo Dabawenyo, wrote a letter to Braga for the crafting of the ordinance declaring the historical landmarks in the city.
“Davao City is known for its rich culture since it is the melting pot of the diverse tribal and ethnic groups,” Braga said in the proposed ordinance.
She added that during the World War II when many Japanese settled in the City, several monuments and edifices were constructed as government offices.
Braga also noted that most of the historic pre-war houses owned by prominent families that settled in Davao City are now turned into commercial establishments. Also, parks and monuments named after former presidents and heroes became top tourist destinations.
Additionally, markers are installed in the city showing historical records in the areas where they were built. The ordinance is part of Republic Act No. 10066, otherwise known as the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, which provides for the protection and conservation of the national cultural heritage.
