Barcelon vows to lobby for Cebu MRT project

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is going to lobby for the implementation of the MRT (Mono Rail Transit) project in Cebu.

"The PCCI is going to influence the DOTr [Department of Transportation] to look into MRT subway in Cebu," said PCCI president George T. Barcelon.

Barcelon who graced the recently concluded 26th Visayas Area Business Conference held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casinos, said that the worsening traffic situation in Cebu should be fixed immediately, otherwise the metropolis will miss out on huge opportunities for economic growth.

He said there is a need for Cebu to start massive infrastructure improvements, especially road connections and traffic solutions, emphasizing that the opening of the Mactan International Airport-Terminal 2 will bring in avalanche of investors, tourists alike.

Earlier, Architect Michael Yumi Espina, Mega Cebu co-chairman on the sub-committee on integrated planning and development urged Cebuanos should to strong advocate for the establishment of a Light Rail Transit or MRT to decongest traffic problem now and in the future.

Espina, who is also the Dean of the University of San Carlos-College of Architecture and Fine Arts, said that this is the right time to connect all road centers from Danao City to Carcar City.

Barcelon, however did not expound on how to influence the government's DOTr to fast track the implementation of Cebu MRT project, but stressed that the creation of such transportation facility is crucial to Cebu and the Visayas' economic health.  (FREEMAN)