Osmeña supports project for Protestant group

More than 500 mahogany and gmelina  trees  will be cut down in Osmeña Park in barangay Kalunasan to give way to a Protestant cemetery.

This and fears of contamination of the water source in the area pushed Kalunasan residents to oppose the cemetery project of the Evangelical Christian Coalition Inc. (ECCI) in last Friday’s hearing at the Kalunasan barangay center.

“Nature  and the  atmosphere of the place may be lost with the presence of the cemetery,” said Kalunasan barangay captain Nunilon Monares Jr.

The hearing was attended by Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district.

Osmeña had agreed to the cemetery project during his previous term as Cebu City mayor.

A “No Trespassing” sign was set up in front of the park’s gate indicating that the lot is already owned by the ECCI.

A plant nursery  is located in one portion of the park for  landscaping projects.

The park has  20-foot and 30-foot tress lining  a concrete trail.   Monares said he hoped the city would develop the park instead of donating it for a private cemetery.

He said the lot was originally owned by Sergio Osmeña Sr.’s sister and was donated to the city government.

Congressman Osmeña said  their fears of  water contamination were unfounded and exaggerated.

Osmeña said residents near other cemeteries like the Calamba cemetery haven’t  complained of water contamination.

He said he would have the project cancelled if it really  affects a nearby water source.

The congressman said he approved the  cemetery project during his tenure as mayor because he wanted the Evangelical Christian Coalition Inc. to have a place for their dead.

Osmeña also agreed to have a cemetery for Muslims at the city-owned property in barangay Guba.

The project was controversial since the Guba property was reportedly part of the watershed area.