No redesign yet of CBRT station

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Bus Rapid Transport (CBRT) stations design’, especially of the one by the Capitol area, will remain as is, unless the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) says so.

Engr. Norvin Imbong, CBRT project manager, said they will seek clearance from NHCP concerning the design, which has caused quite a stir lately.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and the Cebu City Council, which is led by her nephew Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, particularly wanted to put on hold the civil works of the CBRT, particularly of the station right across the Capitol, for heritage preservation, it being a potential “photo bomber” to the heritage structure.

The Cebu the Provincial Board and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Cebu then approved separate resolutions expressing support for the governor’s move and added that the project has added to the traffic congestion in the area.

The stance did not sit well with Mayor Mike Rama, although he already met with the vice mayor and discussed the matter.

Mayor Rama then told the Capitol to stop meddling with the CBRT project, as it is within Cebu City’s jurisdiction.

Former mayor Tomas Osmeña also joined in the fray, threatening to bring the governor and the Cebu Provincial Government to court to take back the land where Osmeña Blvd. and the Capitol stand, while also telling her to stay away from the project.

Governor Garcia has insisted that Cebu Province owns Osmeña Blvd. as a result of a 1930 land swap deal between the Cebu Provincial Government and Cebu Heights, Incorporated.

Osmeña, however, said his late Serging did not receive the promised properties in exchange for his, so the deal was technically not consummated.

He also said he does not care what the design of the CBRT stations is, as it is the project itself that he cares about, for the Cebuanos’ sake.

The CBRT’s bus stations design is dubbed as “Foglia” and conceived accordin g to three core principles – design by nature, craftsmanship, and emotion.

“Standing out as the embodiment of the Cebuano spirit, Foglia radiates resilience, uniqueness, and world-class sophistication,” CBRT said of the design, which is “meticulously crafted with precision and artistry” by renowned Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue and by Architect Elman Martinez of the CBRT Project Implementation Unit.

“The leaf-inspired design of Foglia resonates profoundly with Cebuanos, fostering a deep connection to nature and symbolizing the enduring strength and adaptability of the local community. The intricate details mirror the rich cultural tapestry of Cebu, proudly representing the region's heritage” CBRT added.

Imbong, for his part, said yesterday that no redesign has been discussed just yet.

“Wala pa, unless naay decision sa NHCP,” he said, adding that it is their “principals” at the Department of Transportation who would make the decision, if ever, on the matter.

And despite the current situation, construction for Package 1, which covers 2.38 kilometers from the Capitol to the Cebu South Bus Terminal, continues. (CEBU NEWS)