Parks commission halts stage construction

The Cebu City Parks and Playgrounds Commission has stopped the construction of a stage at the Plaza Independencia reportedly for this Saturday’s remote broadcast of the variety show, Wowowillie, as its producers and organizers failed to secure a permit from the agency.

Commissioners led by Dr. Ado Macaraya agreed during their meeting held yesterday afternoon on the need to first clarify what the stage is for and who will be using it.

An ordinance, which was approved on June 27, 2012 and spells out regulations for the use of Plaza Independencia, requires the commission’s approval as a requisite in the application for a permit to use the historic plaza. Violation of the ordinance will be penalized with a fine ranging from P500 to P1,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months or both.

“There is no letter of application. Not even a note for the use of the plaza. Dili sad ma-confirm kinsa gyud ang mogamit sa plaza,” said Arlei Gesta of the Parks and Playgrounds Commission.

Talks have circulated at City Hall that Team Rama north district congressional candidate Annabelle Rama is organizing the staging of the popular television on Saturday afternoon.

The talent manager who joined politics could not be reached for comment yesterday. Her brother and San Nicolas barangay captain George Rama told Cebu Daily News in a telephone interview that plans to have the Wowowillie show here will be finalized today. He declined to give further details.

Mayor Michael Rama said he was not privy of the mounting of the show.

Gesta said that materials for the construction of a stage were delivered to Plaza Independencia about 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Stage construction started Wednesday night across the Fort San Pedro entrance gate on the same spot where Team Rama held their kick-off rally.

The stage for Saturday’s event is much bigger than the Team Rama stage and appears to be designed for a big production, said Gesta.

As a procedure, applicants are supposed to write a letter to Mayor Rama or Dr. Macaraya to express their desire to use the Plaza Independencia for an event or activity. Said application will be discussed by the Parks and Playgrounds commissioners. The applicant may also be asked to appear in one of the commission’s meetings to explain why they chose the plaza.

A favorable endorsement from the commission is needed for the application of a permit for plaza use at city hall, said Gesta.

The ordinance regulating the plaza use also states that events with more than 500 attendees should have approval by the Commission while “all request for complementary or discounted rates are subject to the approval of the City Council.”

Said ordinance also specifies that all reservations for the use of Plaza Independencia should be made at least one week ahead of schedule and should be approved by the Commission. /With a report from Tweeny M. Malinao /Doris C. Bongcac, Chief Of Reporters