Alumni Update January 25 – 31, 2021
SU admin, Silliman Park residents meet with Mayor Remollo on Silliman Park development
The Silliman University (SU) administration led by the president, Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann; trustee, Dr. Angel C. Alcala; University legal counsel, Atty. Myles Nicholas G. Bejar; and Alumni Affairs director, Ruben N. Bokingo, met with Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio B. Remollo last January 18, 2021 at the Mayor’s office to address concerns from the Silliman Park residents on the City’s plan to put up a basketball court at the Park.
Residents also expressed concern over the trees at the Park that would be affected because of the development.
Silliman Park was established in the mid-1950s primarily as a residential area for SU faculty and staff and their families, many of whom are in retirement with ages ranging from 60 to over 90 years old. The noise generated from the basketball court and the increased volume of people coming to the area is a major concern to the residents, aside from health and security.
The SU administrators’ meeting with Remollo and the Silliman Park residents at the City’s Session Hall gave the opportunity for SU, the residents, and the City to agree on what is best for the development of the Park. Also present at the Session Hall meeting were Dumaguete City Councilor Lani Ramon, Dumaguete City Legal Officer; Atty. Manuel Arbon; and Dumaguete City Sectoral Desk Representative, Albert Aquino.
Silliman Park residents with Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio B. Remollo and other city officials.
Remollo has ordered that no trees will be cut in the course of developing the Silliman Park in Barangay Bantayan and that the area will be utilized in accordance with the terms of the deed of donation as a playground and recreation center. The deed of donation was executed by former SU President Leopoldo Ruiz and was received by former Dumaguete City Mayor Joe Pro Teves on March 16, 1960.
Remollo said that part of the development of the area would require the installation of lights, CCTVs, construction of a multi-purpose pavement using concrete pavers and pathways. No basketball goals will be installed. In consideration of the senior citizens, Remollo said that an ordinance will be passed regulating the time for the use of the Park so that park-goers will not cause a disturbance, especially at night time.
Meanwhile, SU and the Silliman Park residents are waiting for a copy of the City’s revised plan for the park.
