THE Cagayan de Oro City Government's Hapsay Sapa, a project which aims to rehabilitate major creeks in the city and turn them into linear parks, was recognized by the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN Habitat) for its unique concept in transforming communities.
Patrick Gabutina, project coordinator, said the project has been successful in urban barangays, particularly barangays 22, 26, and Lapasan, and they plan to take it to upstream areas.
Gabutina said the project has improved the lives of the residents living beside the creeks, and reduced the risks of disasters.
"This project started in 2014, and came from a complaint by the residents about mosquitoes and the foul smell in creeks. That's when we thought of this initiative," Gabutina said.
Gabutina said their team had to start from scratch, with zero budget, but eventually, their efforts were recognized and was then funded by the UN Habitat with about P500,000.
Mayor Oscar Moreno lauded Gabutina's team for being persistent and pushing the project to achieve something greater.
"Ang importante lang nga ma de-silt ang creek in 2013, kay lagi, ulan gamay, baha dayon kay heavily-silted na atong creeks and we are happy that our efforts are being recognized and changed lives," Moreno said.
For this, the city received Monday the 2018 Asian Townscape Award from the Asia-Pacific regional office of the U.N. Habitat .
Established in 2010, the award aims to honor significant efforts made by Asian cities and organizations to improve, revitalize and create a beautiful and harmonious townscape that is safe, sustainable and respectful of history and local cultures. It is organized by the UN Habitat.
The award also highlights the people's efforts to create more beautiful, sustainable, resilient and environmentally friendly townscape at the city, district and community levels.
