Mega Cebu leaders seek solons’ support

CEBU, Philippines - Leaders of the Mega Cebu movement yesterday requested Cebu congressmen to help in realizing its vision for a more livable Metro Cebu in 2050.

In a briefing yesterday, 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).

The briefing, which was meant to give an update on the progress made by MCDCB, 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.

Sanchez said that pending the enactment of an amendment to the ROW law, they are proposing the allocation of a bigger ROW budget and the retention of the ROW funds instead of it reverting to the national treasury if unused.

Sanchez said a lot of government projects are not implemented due to ROW problems, which are resolved only after two to 10 years.

Led by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), the Mega Cebu Program promotes collaboration 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.

The MCDCB also requested the lawmakers to ask DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson to revise, through a Department Order, performance indicators for the DPWH regional director and district engineers of Cebu.

In response, Rep. del Mar told the MCDCB officials to provide the congressmen inputs, particularly on the ROW concern.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency, which is conducting a “Roadmap Study for Sustainable Urban Development in Metro Cebu,” likewise requested for the lawmakers’ support on the institutionalization of the Mega Cebu Vision 2050, follow through of the MCDCB proposed projects for 2015, implementation of the Metro Cebu integrated drainage and stormwater management master plan, and adoption of a Metro-wide integrated development master plan, among others.

The proposed creation of a Metro Cebu Development Authority, which del Mar said he failed to successfully lobby in his three attempts before the House of Representatives, was also brought up.

Among the hurdles he mentioned was disagreement among officials of the concerned local government units (LGUs).

Del Mar said that it is easier to file a bill in Congress if it already has approval at the local level.  Mega Cebu, though, already has the support of all 13 Metro Cebu LGUs and of the Province of Cebu, as contained in a memorandum of agreement they all signed.

RAFI president and MCDCB co-chairperson Roberto Aboitiz likewise emphasized that Mega Cebu is not about political color, political geography, or vested interests but a coordination movement meant to make Cebu a much better place 36 years from now. — /RHM (FREEMAN)