By: April Therese Tan
––
The Liberation Park of Talisay City, which is now on its first phase was lighted as part of the activity coincided with the celebration of the “77th Takas sa Talisay Kagawasan sa Sugbo,” or the 77th anniversary of the landing of American forces in Talisay to liberate Cebu from the Japanese in World War II.
The lighting ceremony was led of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia together with Talisay City Mayor Gerard Anthony “Samsam” Gullas, Tingog Partylisg Representative Yedda Marie Romualdez, Provincial Board Member Raul Bacaltos, and Talisay City First Lady Rhea Gullas.
The park, which is adjacent to the landing site behind the old City Hall in Barangay Poblacion, was designed by world-class designer Vito Selma, who happens to be a Talisaynon.
According to Sugbo News in their Facebook post that the park is part of an ongoing tourism destination project complete with play areas for children, basketball courts, boardwalk, retail areas, function rooms, among others.
The governor congratulated Mayor Gullas and the city government of Talisay and promised to help the latter realize the project’s phase two and three.
“This park celebrated Talisay’s history as well as its culture and tradition. It gives this park this soul that every park or infrastructure should have,” Garcia said via Sugbo News, the official Facebook page of the provincial government.
The governor said the landing in Talisay should be remembered and celebrated not just for its historical significance but also to honor those who opposed the Japanese occupation.
The mayor likewise thanked the governor for her support in the realization of the said project.
The ceremony was capped by a grand firework display. – (April Therese Tan)