LGUs told to include ‘greenway links’ in zoning ordinance

CEBU, Philippines — To provide alternative road access throughout Cebu province, Governor Hilario Davide III has called on city and municipal officials to incorporate the Capitol’s “greenway links project” in their zoning ordinances.

The project, which was developed by the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), targets to establish a two-lane alternate road that can cut short travel time. These roads will be lined with trees.

It is also expected to ease up the traffic situation going to the city from the northern parts of the province including Danao City, Compostela, Lilo-an, Consolacion, and Mandaue City.

“It is important that you remain well-informed with the latest planning developments for you to better formulate, update and synchronize your local plans with the provincial and national government plans,” Davide said in a speech read by PPDO head Florentino Nimor, Jr. during the Provincial Strategic Direction Conference Tuesday.

Nimor oriented officials from local government units on the greenway links project.

“We want the LGUs to prepare the roads, and provide the necessary setbacks,” he said.

Nimor earlier told The FREEMAN that the province lacks alternate road networks for the arterial roadways.

"We need to have parallel roads and connect all roads all over the province. Because we lack alternate roads, our congested main thoroughfares will paralyze connectivity, affecting our local economy," he said.

Alternate roads, he said, will supplement the trans-axial highway project, which is a 280-kilometer road that connects the northern and southern tips of Cebu. Starting from the town of Daanbantayan in the north, the trans-axial road is expected to traverse Cebu's mountains going to Santander town in the south.

Also, it's designed with less environmental impact and also provides a dedicated lane for people to do green growth practices such as walking, jogging and biking, Nimor said.

The PPDO has already mapped out the alternate routes but is still conducting feasibility studies with the help of the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

At least 70 percent of the areas mapped have existing roads, while the rest are not yet passable.

Nimor said the next stage of the project is for LGU officials to help PPDO identify the most feasible alternative routes.

The office is set to consult the LGUs, starting with Sibonga to Boljoon in the south, and Danao and Bogo in the north.

“When there are typhoons and flash floods, these are the areas where the roads are most likely blocked,” Nimor said.

He added that the PPDO will provide a project template the LGUs can use in their zoning ordinances.

Davide, who was unable to attend the conference at Montebello Villa Hotel due to health reasons, asked LGUs to cooperate, saying only through unified effort can progress happen.

“Ang atong tinguha nga kalambuan manukad sa paningkamot sa matag usa kanato, manukad sa mga pangingkamot sa matag lokal nga komunidad,” he said. (FREEMAN)