CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) main bridge deck connection ceremony was held yesterday led by Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan and Cebu officials.
CCLEX is a project of the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the MPTC, in partnership with the City of Cebu and the Municipality of Cordova.
Symbolizing the connection of the main bridge deck of the third bridge, the officials of Cordova and Cebu City, headed by Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho and Acting Mayor Michael Rama, respectively, had a ceremonial walk and met in the middle of the new landmark structure.
They were formally received by some prominent personalities such as Pangilinan and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, among others.
CCLEC President and General Manager Allan Alfon expressed that seeing the officials walking towards the center of the deck was “heartwarming.”
“The event is part of our continuing countdown to finally connect the island of Cordova to the mainland of Cebu via Cebu City,” said Alfon.
Sitoy-Cho, the daughter of the late Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) Secretary and former Cordova mayor Adelino Sitoy, thanked all the persons who worked hard for the completion of CCLEX.
Adelino was among those who staunchly pushed for the project and contributed to its realization.
Sitoy-Cho said that her father would have been delighted with this development, which is seen to be an effective way to ease traffic in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu and which would link Cordova to the Queen City of the South.
“My request is that we have the launching of the Sto. Niño Bridge (CCLEX) on the first death anniversary of my father on April 15, 2022. I’m sure this will give him so much happiness in the afterlife,” she said.
Sitoy-Cho also said that she believes that the soon-to-open CCLEX would help their municipality to finally achieve its dream of becoming a city.
Rama, for his part, said that the answer to progress in the country is “connectivity” and they shall continue to connect the island of Cebu.
He said that the CCLEX is now an icon not just of Cebu but of the Philippines.
The CCLEX will open to motorists in 2022. It will not only decongest traffic but also drive mobility of goods and people, and contribute to Cebu’s progress.
The third bridge will be using an all-electronic toll system to enable faster traffic flow and seamless travel. — KQD (FREEMAN)