Chinatown will soon be promoted as one of the tourist attractions in the city, a lawmaker said.
More than a week ago, the City Council passed an ordinance requiring all the establishments in Chinatown area to have a Chinese-themed facade.
Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, committee chair on tourism and beautification, said that business establishments will be required to adopt a traditional Chinese architectural design in renovating their buildings.
“It aims to promote, encourage, and develop the city’s tourism such that it will be an instrument to accelerate the development in the city and to protect the city’s culture, history, traditions, and natural beauty,” she said.
It was cited in the ordinance that business buildings along Ramon Magsaysay Avenue, Monteverde Avenue, Sta. Ana Avenue, and Leon Garcia Street need refurbishments.
“Chinatown will be adopting a modern Chinese architecture, traditional and oriental, with signages in Chinese and English characters,” she said.
In the ordinance, the guidelines were also provided for renovation.
A 3.60-meter sidewalk with canopies and landscape or green zone of 1.2 meters on the roadside will be pictured out. There will also be an access to persons with disabilities.
According to Dalodo-Ortiz, the city government shall fund the construction of public spaces and structures, such as sidewalks, drainage, park and wharf and the traffic and security. The expenses will be shouldered by the business establishments.
“Business establishments that will not comply with the said guidelines on construction and renovation will no longer be allowed to renew their business permits,” she said.
