By Nimfa Estrellado A rear elevation of the proposed Plaza Arcade design. (Photo from Mayor Aristotle Aguirre/FB) MULANAY, Quezon – Over...
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| A rear elevation of the proposed Plaza Arcade design. (Photo from Mayor Aristotle Aguirre/FB) |
MULANAY, Quezon – Over 6,000 Mulanay residents have signed a petition in favor of constructing a covered plaza at Liwasang Alfaro G. Aguirre, a project aimed at addressing the community's need for a weather-proof venue for various activities.
Mulanay Mayor Aristotle Aguirre has been a strong proponent of the project, emphasizing its potential to enhance community life, mitigate health risks, and provide a cost-effective solution for hosting events.
The proposed Plaza Arcade has faced opposition from Fr. Gabriel S. Villafañe of St. Peter the Apostle Parish and former Mulanay Mayor Tito Ojeda, who have raised concerns about its impact on the church's facade and historical significance.
However, Mayor Aguirre has assured the public that the project has not been denied by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), which has only requested clarifications. The Mayor has also highlighted the project's commitment to preserving cultural heritage, citing the Aguirre family's contributions to the preservation of the church.
"The Aguirre family has a long history of supporting the St. Peter the Apostle Parish Church, and we would never allow any project to threaten its value or prosperity," Aguirre stated. "We are confident that we can find a solution that respects both the needs of the community and the preservation of our cultural heritage."
The need for a covered plaza is underscored by the numerous instances of events being disrupted or cancelled due to extreme weather conditions. The project aims to provide a safe and accessible space for religious, educational, socio-economic, and other community gatherings.
"We have repeatedly experienced local events being devastated by heavy rains or extreme heat," Aguirre said. "The covered plaza will ensure the continuity of important community gatherings and protect participants from the elements."
The Mayor has also addressed the financial burden of renting temporary structures for events, highlighting the covered plaza as a cost-effective and sustainable solution.
Despite the opposition, the overwhelming support from the community demonstrates the project's potential to positively impact Mulanay. The Mayor remains committed to finding a solution that benefits all parties involved, emphasizing open communication and collaboration with stakeholders.
The fate of the Plaza Arcade project remains uncertain as discussions with the NHCP continue, but the overwhelming support from the community highlights the project's potential to enhance the quality of life for Mulanay residents.
The proposed design of the covered plaza has been carefully crafted to minimize any visual impact on the church, while still providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing space for the community.
The project team is currently working closely with the NHCP to address any remaining concerns and ensure that the final design meets all heritage and preservation requirements.
Meanwhile, residents who support the project have expressed their frustration with the delays caused by the opposition. They argue that the covered plaza is a much-needed improvement for the town and that the concerns raised by the opponents can be addressed through careful planning and design.
"We believe that the covered plaza will not only benefit the residents of Mulanay but also attract more visitors and tourists to our town," a local business owner who withheald their name stated. "This project has the potential to boost our local economy and create more opportunities for growth and development in our community."
As the debate continues, the Mulanay community remains hopeful that a compromise can be reached that will allow the Plaza Arcade project to move forward, while still respecting the town's rich cultural heritage.
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