Cadiz revives historic playground for all generations

Cadiz City in Negros Occidental has revitalized another source of pride—its iconic Children’s Playground.

The redeveloped Cadiz City Children’s Playground (CCCP), also known as the “playground of generations,” has reopened to the public after a major facelift.

With a budget of PHP18 million from the Department of Budget and Management’s “Green, Green, Green” program, the city government launched the project last year.

The “Green, Green, Green” program aims to make 145 cities across the country more livable and sustainable by developing open spaces.

Blessed and inaugurated on Easter Sunday, April 25, the CCCP retains its signature features that continue to attract both children and the young at heart.

These include:

• A big shoe house
• A giant squash
• A strangler fig tree
• Two carabaos locking horns
• The famed three wise monkeys
• A majestic lion’s head

The playground remains more than just a recreational space—it reflects the cultural and visual narrative of Cadiz.

It also stands as a symbol of the resilience, history, and unity of Cadizeños through the decades.

The site is among the city’s most beloved landmarks, having stood the test of time.

Originally built during the administration of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., CCCP has witnessed Cadiz evolve from a peaceful, thriving town to a chartered city on July 4, 1967.

It also survived two of the strongest typhoons to hit the Visayas—Typhoon Frank in 2009 and Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. called the CCCP a living testament to the roots and resilience of Cadizeños.

He said it represents both the past and present of Cadiz, “the land of splendid opportunities.”

“It also serves as a place that tells the stories of families, students, friends, and workers—all captured in moments worth remembering,” Escalante added.

“CCCP is not just for children, but for everyone, regardless of age,” he said.

“Here, we are building a culture of compassion and a mindset for excellence.”

By reviving the playground, he added, “we’re not only preserving history; we’re also creating a new tourist attraction and fresh memories for future generations.”