SIGN THE PETITION TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE CAGAYAN DE ORO YSALINA BRIDGE

 

Position Paper for the Preservation of the Ysalina Bridge by the Members

of the Kagay-an Heritage Advocates

 

A. Introduction and History

            As stated in Sections 14, 15, 16, and 17 of Article XIV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, wherein the State should dedicate to fostering Filipino cultural diversity and preserving the nation’s cultural heritage. The provisions aimed to protect, promote, and harmonize historical preservations to comprehensively benefit the present and future generations.[1] Additionally, the government should protect ‘built heritage’ structures dating at least fifty (50) years which, because of their cultural relevance and shall be free against exportation, modification, or demolition.[2]

            ‘Built heritage’ refers to architectural and engineering structures including bridges, considering the settings, and landscapes that have historical and cultural significance. Thus, cultural agencies and the local government units shall maintain their cultural significance including preservation, reconstruction, and protection.[3]

            The Ysalina Bridge, an important historical and cultural property of Cagayan de Oro City has been the subject of possible destruction. The DPWH proposed to replace the Ysalina Bridge with a 4-lane bridge due to public safety concerns. However, the Ysalina Bridge has a rich historical significance because of its architectural, engineering, and cultural value.

 

            Its history began in May 1892 wherein it was the first and longest suspension bridge built outside colonial Manila; the “Puente del General Blanco”—in honor of the Spanish Governor General Ramon Blanco who came to Cagayan de Misamis to inaugurate the bridge. In 1930, the rebuilding of the new bridge in Cagayan, Misamis Oriental, made of ‘steel truss’ took place having an estimated cost of 275,000 pesos[4] its inauguration took place on August 26, 1931, and participated by Governor Gregorio Pelaez, prominent residents of the municipality, and its residents. Unfortunately, during World War II, the Mindanao Force under General William Sharp bombed the bridge and in 1946, the rebuilding took place during the gubernatorial term of Paciencio Ysalina using the budget from the United States Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946. In 2005, the DPWH X retrofitted the bridge during the mayoralty term of the late Vicente Y. Emano.

            From its rich history, the bridge symbolized Kagay-anon heritage connecting endless generations because of its stories of trade, migration, and urban development of Cagayan de Oro City. Further, the Ysalina Bridge contributed to Cagayan de Oro’s tourism and provided the very fabric of Kagay-anon identity fostering pride in the community because of its vibrant heritage from the past to our future.

II. Importance of Preserving the Cultural Identity of the Ysalina Bridge

            The Ysalina Bridge, an essentially built heritage structure of Cagayan de Oro City, plays a vital role in preserving the city’s historical and cultural identity. The bridge holds deep importance because it witnessed and represented the city’s growth and development connecting the west and east districts.

            The Ysalina Bridge stands as a testament to the city’s rich history witnessing the urban evolution not only from Barangay 1 to Bugo but also from Barangay Carmen to Iponan. The bridge holds memories of the city’s shared history reflected in their daily lives, traditions, and communal economic exchanges of Kagay-anons throughout generations. Its history fosters a sense of continuity and belongingness providing the cultural fabric of the city and its residents. 

            The Ysalina Bridge cultural fabric served as an iconic representation and its historical structure bonds the Kagay-anons and thus, creating a shared sense of belongingness to which the community and the local government shall foster a commitment to preserving and conserving the Kagay-anon’s unique cultural heritage. The Ysalina Bridge is not only an old bridge but a living testament to our progress as a city and soon-to-be metro over time. 

 

III. Economic Drive of the Ysalina Bridge

            Despite its age, the Ysalina Bridge as a living cultural heritage still robustly holds significant economic potential, especially in:

1.    Tourism: The Ysalina Bridge, its history and its grandeur architecture can attract local and international tourists who are interested in exploring the city’s history and heritage. Tourists visiting the bridge can contribute to the local economy because of its strategic location and near ‘Duaw Park.’ Both potential tourist attractions can empower local businesses, generate revenues, and thus can boost our local economy. 

Serving as a historic and beautiful landscape to Duaw Park wherein utilizing the latter as a focal point for cultural events, festivals, and celebrations relating to the City’s Charter Day and Fiesta. These events can attract tourists and visitors; thus, promoting local commerce and contributing to the local economy.

2.    The Ysalina Bridge can stimulate the growth of heritage-owned businesses such as heritage walk tours. These ventures to cater both tourists and locals interested in the historical significance of the bridge. The overall backdraft of the bridge can be a beautiful landscape for tourists, especially at night while they are enjoying their meal if the Duaw Park can be utilized as a “night café.”

 

3.    Educational activities can be used as an educational resource, attracting school trips among basic education and college students, especially those who are taking engineering and architecture. Educational activities centered around the bridge’s history, engineering and architecture can also contribute not only to the local economy but also to a perfect study for heritage conservation through engineering and architectural innovation.

4.    Increased in Property Value among the surrounding properties and real estate circulating around the bridge because of its historical importance. The bridge can enhance the appeal of the neighboring barangays including Barangay Carmen, making it an attractive location for business, and thereby positively creating a strong impact on property prices and business estate development. 

 

IV. The Importance of the Ysalina Bridge

            The Ysalina Bridge holds significant economic potential as a living cultural heritage in Cagayan de Oro City. Following Sections 14 to 17 of Article XIV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, preserving cultural heritage is vital. The Ysalina Bridge embodies its mandate because it symbolizes the city’s history and fosters a sense of pride and identity among us, Kagay-anons. With great humility, we oppose the potential demolition of the Ysalina Bridge. Instead, we propose the construction of a parallel two-lane bridge alongside the old bridge, while ensuring the preservation of the century-old trees near Duaw Park. This approach will not only retain the historical significance of the bridge but also honor our commitment to environmental conservation.

            Taking into consideration the constitutional mandate outlined in the Philippine Constitution, it is incumbent upon the local government of Cagayan de Oro, including the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office X, to champion cultural preservation and safeguard our local and national heritage. These provisions underscore the need to promote and harmonize historical preservation for the collective historical well-being of present and future generations. Furthermore, recognizing the Ysalina Bridge as a “built heritage” structure considering its age, it is fundamental for the local government unit to preserve its cultural significance, thus ensuring its protection from alteration and destruction.

            The Ysalina Bridge is an important ‘built heritage’ that encompasses architectural and engineering marvels embodying Kagay-anon cultural essence and it is incumbent for the local government of Cagayan de Oro and the City Historical Commission and Heritage Studies to undertake to preserve and protect its structure to retain its historical and cultural value. and protecting its structure to retain its historical and cultural value. 

            Though the symbolic Ysalina Bridge, a historical landmark within the city finds itself at the crossroads of potential demolition due to concerns to public safety. However, the historic bridge stands as a testament to the city’s heritage, encompassing its architecture, engineering, and cultural significance.

            Ensuring the Ysalina Bridge’s legacy, we, the Kagay-an Heritage Advocates ask for an inventory and evaluation by the City Heritage Studies Center and the City Historical Commission. This step will underscore the bridge’s cultural significance, paving the way for a concerted effort to protect and promote its preservation. It is also crucial for the Cagayan de Oro City Council to proactively draft and submit an ordinance that declares the Ysalina Bridge as an essential cultural property of the city. Such designation will not only cement its historical value but also give protection and support its preservation. 

            Additionally, the Kagay-an Heritage Advocates propose to the City Heritage Studies Center and the City Historical Commission with aid legislation from the City Council to take the initiative to register the Ysalina Bridge in the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property following the provisions under Article V, Section 14, Paragraphs a, b,and c of RA 10066 otherwise known as the “National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.” This initiative further elevates the status of the Ysalina Bridge as a revered “built cultural heritage” and ensures the bridge’s legacy is upheld according to national regulations and standards. 

 

 

            By adhering to the Philippine Constitution’s directives, recognizing the Ysalina Bridge’s historical and cultural significance, and proactively acting to secure its preservation, the Kagay-anons can honor their past, enrich our present, and provide a legacy for the future Kagay-anon generations.  

 

Signed by members of the Kagay-an Heritage Advocates Members on the 9th of August, 2023.

 
[1] Republic of the Philippines, The Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.
[2] Republic of the Philippines, RA 1066 National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.
[3] Ibid. Article II, Section 3, Paragraph j.
[4] Department of Commerce and Communications. The Bureau of Public Works Bulletin, 1931, p. 28