Capitol, USC sign pact for Mega Cebu Project

CEBU, Philippines - The Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) represented by Gov. Hilario Davide III has entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the University of San Carlos for efforts relating to the Mega Cebu Project.

The MOA was signed at the Capitol last Friday.

Under the MOA, both parties will “share and exchange expertise, data and information, materials and other resources…in pursuit of the goals of Mega Cebu.”

USC, represented by its president Fr. Dionisio Miranda, SVD committed to develop “competent and socially responsible” individuals and to provide “timely, relevant, and transformative academic programs responsive to the needs of the local, national, and global community.”

“In line with USC’s mission (to provide the mentioned programs to MCDCB), USC shares with MCDCB’s vision of a Mega Cebu 2050, and intends to contribute towards the achievement of its development strategy,” read a portion of the MOA which is in an effect for the next five years.

The MCDCB, for its, part “aims to facilitate the formulation, coordination and monitoring of integrated development stra-tegies, policies, and standards for the development of a Mega Cebu — promoting long-term and collaborative planning and action towards a wholesome, advanced, vibrant, equitable, and sustainable city-region in 2050.”

Led by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), the Mega Cebu Program promotes colla-boration among Metro Cebu’s seven cities (Cebu, Talisay, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Carcar, Naga, and Danao) and six municipalities (San Fernando, Minglanilla, Cordova, Consolacion, Liloan, and Compostela) towards the creation of a sustainable and more livable Cebu.

Last week, leaders of the movement requested Cebu congressmen to help in realizing its vision for a more livable Metro Cebu in 2050.

In a briefing, Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board (MCDCB)-Research, Program, and Organizational Development chairperson Fortunato Sanchez Jr. specifically appealed for support in the crafting of an executive order creating a Right-Of-Way (ROW) Acquisition body exclusively for Mega Cebu, following the recommendation of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Last week’s briefing was attended by Representatives Raul del Mar (north district, Cebu City), Rodrigo Abellanosa (south district, Cebu City), Gerald Anthony Gullas Jr. (1st district, Cebu Province), Felix Ace Durano (5th district, Cebu Province) and an officer from the office of Lapu-Lapu City Rep. Aileen Radaza.

The meeting with the lawmakers was also meant to get their comments, facilitate their understanding about Mega Cebu Vision 2050, and solicit their support on shared goals.  (FREEMAN)