AN ambitious revitalization of Cagayan de Oro’s urban parks is well underway under the Lunhaw Project, a city-led initiative aimed at making green spaces more accessible, inclusive, and resilient.
Patrick Gabutina, chair of Lunhaw Project, said the initial phase of work took six months and cost about P50 million.
Two areas, including the El Pueblo a sus heroes monument section, remain under renovation. The site holds the skeletal remains of local Katipuneros who fought American forces in the early 1900s.
“Hopefully, maka start na ang riverside development plant, this year,” said Gabutina, who has overseen the project since its formal launch under the City Mayor’s Office in 2022.
Planning, however, dates back to 2018 through a collaboration with UN Habitat.
The “Central” Lunhaw area covers Divisoria up to the riverside along the Cagayan River.
Among its standout features are inclusive public toilets for men, women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and all-gender users.
Future phases include the Acacia Development Project, which will feature a mini-jetty for river taxis and a two-way bike lane winding along the riverbank.
“As for the Acacia Redevelopment, I’m facing major issues with DPWH due to the Ysalina Bridge and the river wall near the city Cathedral. The development might negatively impact both structures. I’m considering scheduling the project after work on the Ysalina Bridge is done, but nothing is final yet,” Gabutina said.
The Lunhaw master plan envisions a network of interconnected urban parks.
Phase I, centered on Magsaysay Park, is already complete. Phase II, focusing on Bonifacio Park, is scheduled for completion this June. Phase III will cover JR Borja Park, followed by Phase IV at Rizal Park.
“The fountain in Divisoria will be finished by this year, I hope,” Gabutina added.
Meanwhile, a separate P120-million drainage improvement along RN Abejuela and Tirso Neri streets began in May to address persistent flooding in the Divisoria area, one of the project’s key challenges alongside extreme heat.
Gabutina said future plans include transforming the nine-hectare Rotonda into a multifunctional park with sports courts, outdoor fitness spaces, walking and jogging paths, and a meandering bike lane.
“The rotonda is not part of the project. It’s across the bridge from the rotonda ang Acacia Riverside Development, which is on hold for now,” Gabutina added
To sustain and institutionalize the effort, Gabutina hopes legislation will soon create a dedicated parks and public spaces division at city hall.
“Pagkahuman sa program of work, bid na sad dayon sa next phase,” he said, underscoring the city’s ongoing push for greener, more inclusive urban environments.
