CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--Preserving one of the historical landmarks of the city, the Local Government of Cagayan de Oro inaugurated the P80-million newly renovated Community Amphitheater, February 28.

"Kining (This) Amphitheater became what was then Plaza Miranda in Manila. Plaza Miranda in Manila was a symbol of freedom, symbol of democracy where ideas can contest with each other. Dinhi sa ato sa (here in) northern Mindanao, the Amphitheater was that venue, the arena where ideas would come out from our leaders, debates would take place," Mayor Oscar Moreno said.

The mayor thanked Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, who also graced the said event, for funding the renovation of the landmark as well as the other areas to develop under Project Lunhaw.

"Ang importante nasugdan nato, natiwas nato ang atong Amphitheater, the historic Amphitheater. Gi-challenge lang ako ni Mayor Oca Moreno, ingon niya, ang nasugdan nimo, tiwason nimo. I accept the challenge of the good mayor; ang nasugdan, tiwason," Pimentel said.

(What is important is we were able to start and complete the Amphitheater, the historic Amphitheater. I was challenged by Mayor Oca Moreno saying what I have started should be completed. I accept the challenge of the good mayor; we will complete what we have started)

The renovation of the Community Amphitheater is part of the city’s Project Lunhaw that aims to transform the remaining open spaces along the City Hall's riverside and downstream into modern recreational areas.

Aside from the open theater, the renovated Amphitheater now has a multi-level parking as well as office building with footbridge and ramp, spaces for rent, viewing decks, and sun shelters.

Among the other proposed areas to be improved through the said project include the Duaw Park, city’s riverside, landside, and Plaza Divisoria.

"[The project covers] the entire Divisoria and then the entire stretch sa Cagayan River from Macabalan to Macasandig and then from Bonbon to Balulang. The idea is Divisoria will be the center of Lunhaw and then i-enhance ang (we enhance the) environment, sabay-sabay sa (together with the) flood risk mitigation program," Moreno added. (RTP/PIA-10)