Cebu City's pedestrianization project to be done in phases

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government s plan to pedestrianize downtown area will be made in three phases with e-trikes along the routes.

This was disclosed by Cebu City planner, Archt.Joseph Michael Yumi Espina, who said the first phase of the pedestrianization plan will focus at City Hall Square, or the streets that surround Cebu City Hall and other heritage structures.

Pedestrianization is a process of converting a street zone or district into an area for the use of pedestrians, by street dieting or minimizing motor vehicles.

Dili sad ni madali, ato i-progressive, unahon nato ang City Hall Square, said Espina said via the City s Sugboanon channel.

Along with this, the City plans to include routes for electric tricycles or e-trikes along pedestrianized routes.

There will also be terminals and parking areas in two areas in the heritage district and several designated stops where e-trikes can pick up and drop off passengers.

The proposed e-trikes must be able to accommodate five passengers at a time and the City must regulate them, Espina said.

Once the first phase is established, next will be the areas along Plaza Independencia, including those leading to the pier area, which greatly benefit travelers.

Sunod ang Plaza Independencia kay daghan kaayong gikan sa Pier 1 nga ig-abot sa barko, wala silay masakyan. So kung naay e-trike route, sakay nalang sila padung sa downtown,  Espina added.

The third and last phase will be around Estero de Parian. The Estero de Parian starts from Colon St. all the way to Pier 2, traversing barangays Sto. Ni o, Parian, and San Roque.

The City also plans to convert areas that informal settlers and easement violators previously occupied into active spaces.

Ang concept ani, atong himoon og active space. Kanang agi-an og e-trike, naa nay pasahero, kung gikan sa port, mo-travel sila didto,  Espina said.

The City will also develop areas beside the Estero de Parian where local businesses can thrive with the river as a centerpiece of the development.

Some parts of the Estero de Parian, such as at MJ Cuenco Ave. and Sergio Osmena Blvd. will be converted into promenades where walking and e-trikes can go back and forth, Espina added.

The last part, however, is expected to take time as the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) explained that the Task Force Gubat sa Baha is still on its way to reclaim the river s three-meter easement.

Once pedestrianized, the downtown district will connect to the Link to the Port feature of the ongoing Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project, Espina added. — /ATO (FREEMAN)