Archival to revive ‘Cebu City Zoo’

CEBU City Mayor-elect Nestor Archival is setting his sights on the revival of the Cebu City Eco-Park, formerly known as Cebu City Zoo, a move he plans to undertake along with his initiative to disallow plastic water bottles at City Hall.

In an interview with reporters on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Archival noted the limited number of parks currently available in the city.

The Cebu City Eco-Park, spanning an area of up to seven hectares, was initially allocated a P120 million budget.

However, Archival revealed that discussions with personnel assigned to the park indicated that the allocated funds were used for another project. He did not elaborate further on the matter.

Archival said he will review the use of the allocated budget as soon as he assumes his post. Should there be no more funds available, he said the City will ask for the help of the private sector.

“We will slowly bring it back considering that there is really a park and certain animals can still be seen by the public especially children,” said Archival in Cebuano.

He explained that once revived, the Cebu City Eco-Park will initially house low-maintenance animals due to budgetary constraints.

As a staunch environmental advocate, Archival views the revival of the Cebu City Eco-Park as “proof of concept” designed to encourage public support for environmental causes.

Archival also announced that plastic bottles will be disallowed in City Hall, urging employees, specifically mentioning department heads, to bring their own personal tumblers instead. He said a water dispenser will be provided in meeting areas.

Drawing from personal experience, he recounted how attending six meetings would result in six plastic water bottles being discarded.

“There’s so much wastage,” Archival lamented, adding that he saw half-emptied bottles thrown.

He issued a stark warning about the future consequences of excessive waste: “In the future, we’re going to fight over water and this is something not good,” he said. / JPS