LGUs vow to support Mega Cebu plan

CEBU, Philippines - Together with the private sector and civic organizations, the local government units vowed to support and actively participate in the realization of the sustainable Mega Cebu regional plan whether they get reelected for another term or not.

Last Wednesday, representatives from private and public stakeholders convened to formulate a sustainable urban vision and to discuss strategies and targets for Metro Cebu.

The Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board (MCDCB) is currently working out with the masterplan of the project with the assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Study Team.

Established in 2011, MCDCB is an unprecedented public-private partnership spearheaded by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation (RAFI), business chambers, civic organizations and 14 local government units. 

It envisions an urban renewal for Metro Cebu that is presently showing signs of decay.

It involves a 30-year integrated plan to a “Megapolitan Cebu Area” which covers the cities of Danao, Carcar, Naga and Talisay and the municipalities of Cordova, Minglanilla, San Fernando, Compostela, Liloan and Consolacion.

MCDCB co-chairperson and RAFI president Roberto “Bobby” Aboitiz expressed optimism that working with government leaders will make things easier for the accomplishment of its goals.

Although the private sector is concerned on the ability of the country to compete, he said that the government also has to acknowledge the fact that the Philippines is not attracting investors that much and results are still poor.

“Why is it that only two percent of the foreign direct investments in Asia come to the Philippines? The incentives given by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority and Board of Investments are actually sufficient to attract investors but they still prefer to invest in other neighboring countries instead? There is really something wrong. Something has to be done,” he stated.

He cited that the country is an ideal investment hub taking into account the skilled and hardworking Filipinos, technological advancement, and inflation rate.

“If you want to play a competitive game in the global market, we have to be serious in getting things done. Our competitive advantage is our people, our human resources. Given the better educational and training programs, we create talent, invite investors, create jobs and achieve growth,” Aboitiz added.

For his part, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said that aside from creating a roadmap, everyone should take action in implementing what has been laid out in the masterplan.

He pointed out that the achievement of the sustainable vision for Metro Cebu is a threefold collaboration of efforts from the government, private sector and civic organizations.

Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy initiated to voice out his pledge of continuing his commitment and participation for the Mega Cebu plan even if he is not reelected for public service anymore.

Liloan Mayor Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco lauded the working committee and assured support for the project.

Carcar City Mayor Nicepuro Apura, on the other hand, described the project as “laudable” and suggested to involve city councilors and constituents of the plan to heighten contribution among stakeholders.

Compostela Mayor Joel Quiño expressed his hopes that the incoming investments and developments could possibly spill over to his town to accelerate the growth of industries and commercial sector of the municipality.

Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado expressed pride of taking part of building a “real legacy” for Cebu and guaranteed full cooperation to the project.

Meanwhile, JICA team leader Shigehisa Matsumura presented the strategies and targets for endorsement that are seen to accelerate projects and achieve the vision.

Strategies include competitiveness to properly allocate and develop urban and industrial functions, mobility to ensure accessible and efficient movement within, to and from Metro Cebu through an integrated and sustainable transport system and livability to provide healthy and comfortable living environment with basic urban services and disaster-resistant infrastructure in environmentally-sustainable manners. (FREEMAN)