COURTESY: Cagayan de Oro City Information Office
IMAGE CREDITS: Kim Zaldivar
Did you hear the buzz? There's something brewing in Cagayan de Oro, and it's not just another fiesta. We’re talking about the Cagayan de Oro River potentially becoming a cultural heritage site. Yep, you read that right! This isn’t just any river; it's a river with a rich tapestry of history and culture flowing through it.
Last Friday, July 19, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Executive Director Eric B. Zerrudo paid a courtesy visit to Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ A. Uy. The topic on the table? The proposed Cagayan de Oro River Cultural Heritage Zone Act. Sounds like a mouthful, but it’s a game-changer for the city. Director Zerrudo emphasized the urgency of City Hall’s support for this campaign, highlighting how the river is intricately woven into the economic and cultural fabric of the city's early inhabitants.
But wait, there's more! It wasn’t just Zerrudo and Mayor Uy hashing out the details. The meeting was graced by Reverend Father Jonas Awayan, city museum officer-in-charge JC Salon, and Acting City Tourism Officer Mr. Mark Kenneth Jalapadan. Talk about a power-packed room!
Father Jonas Awayan, with his deep-rooted knowledge of the city’s history, added a spiritual and cultural perspective to the conversation. JC Salon, with his on-point museum expertise, painted a vivid picture of how this declaration could enhance the city’s cultural narrative. And let’s not forget Mr. Mark Kenneth Jalapadan, who brought in the tourism angle, showing how this move could boost the city’s appeal to both local and international tourists.
Now, you might be wondering, why all this fuss about a river? Well, the Cagayan de Oro River is not just any waterway. It’s a lifeline that has sustained and shaped the lives of countless generations. From the early settlers who relied on its waters for sustenance to the modern-day residents who find solace in its serene beauty, this river is a silent witness to the city’s evolving story.
Declaring it a cultural heritage site isn’t just about slapping a fancy title on it. It’s about recognizing and preserving a crucial part of the city’s identity. It’s about ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from the rich history embedded in its banks. And let’s be real, it’s also about putting Cagayan de Oro on the map as a city that values and protects its cultural treasures.
Of course, like any grand plan, this one comes with its own set of challenges. For starters, there’s the need for comprehensive documentation and research to support the declaration. This means digging into historical records, gathering oral histories, and possibly even conducting archaeological investigations. It’s a massive undertaking, but one that could yield invaluable insights into the city’s past.
Then there’s the need for community involvement. After all, what’s a heritage site without the people who call it home? Engaging local communities in the preservation efforts will be crucial. This could involve educational campaigns, community workshops, and collaborative projects aimed at fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the cultural heritage of the river.
But it’s not all uphill. The potential rewards are immense. Imagine a bustling cultural hub along the riverbanks, attracting tourists and historians alike. Picture vibrant festivals celebrating the river’s significance, drawing crowds and boosting the local economy. Envision educational programs that inspire young minds to appreciate and protect their cultural heritage. The possibilities are endless!
So, what’s next? Well, the ball is now in City Hall’s court. The support of Mayor Klarex Uy and his administration is crucial in turning this vision into reality. With their backing, the dream of declaring the Cagayan de Oro River a cultural heritage site could soon become a reality.
In the end, it’s all about preserving the past to enrich the future. By recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the Cagayan de Oro River, we’re not just honoring our ancestors; we’re also paving the way for a more culturally aware and enriched society. So here’s to hoping that the KLAREX ADMIN SUPPORT SOUGHT FOR ORO RIVER DECLARATION AS HERITAGE SITE turns from a proposal into a monumental achievement. Cheers to heritage, history, and a brighter future for Cagayan de Oro!
