RDC-7 endorses big-ticket projects for Cebu, Bohol

• Source:https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/bottom-article-list/2018/06/30/1829322/rdc-7-endorses-big-ticket-projects-cebu-bohol
• Sunday, July 1, 2018

By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines — The Regional Development Council in Central Visayas has approved and endorsed big-ticket infrastructure projects for the provinces of Cebu and Bohol.

These are the P50-million Compostela Port/Wharf Development, P1.91-billion additional works for Bohol-Panglao International Airport, five priority projects under the Metro Cebu Urban Transport Master Plan Study, and the creation of Metro Cebu Traffic and Transport Management Council, according to Glenn Soco, chairperson of RDC-7’s committee on infrastructure.

During its second full council meeting yesterday in Bohol, the proposed port project was endorsed to the Cebu Port Authority (CPA), while the five priority projects and the international airport were endorsed to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The five priority projects include the Mandaue-Lapu-Lapu Link Bridge with Mandaue Scenic Coastal Road, Metro Cebu Circumferential Road, Urban Mass Rapid Transit Coastal Line, Urban Mass Central Line, and Area Traffic Control System.

RDC-7’s approval is needed before NEDA endorses projects to the national government for funding and implementation.

The creation of a traffic management council, on the other hand, was endorsed to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). It aims to bring in the 13 local government units to work together in addressing Cebu's worsening traffic condition.

"One of the major hindrances for the implementation and development is really the coordination and cooperation of the LGUs of Metro Cebu," Soco said.

Soco said this is an offshoot of President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement during his recent Cebu visit that he will ask DOTr to take over the management of the mass transport system in Metro Cebu.

As for the Compostela Port, Soco said, its funding will be sourced from the CPA.

But the local government units needs first to secure the pertinent clearances and permits from government agencies, such as environmental compliance certificate (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) and reclamation permit (Philippine Reclamation Authority), he said.

The project is expected to start next year.

While the P1.91 billion for the Bohol airport covers the construction of a cargo terminal, a fuel depot and hydrant system, and 300-meter extension of the runway and parallel runway.

Soco said the additional works target to prepare the airport for the surge of tourists and for the increased demand for air services.

Moreover, Soco said the five priority projects were endorsed for feasibility study and inclusion of the roadmap for the Central Visayas Regional Development Infrastructure Program.

Soco said the conduct of the master plan study and institutional development on urban transport system in Metro Cebu is ongoing.

The projects, he said, are in consonance with the regional development plan’s objective to accelerate infrastructure development.