Cebu business groups ink manifesto to support BRT

CEBU, Philippines — The business community in Cebu has signed a joint manifesto to voice out their support to the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in the city.

The joint manifesto was signed by presidents of various business groups and civic organizations in Cebu, led by Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Antonio Chiu, who earlier called on the government to push through with the BRT project and integrate road widening along its routes.

They have asked the Department of Transportation, Department of Finance and National Economic and Development Authority to immediately implement the BRT project including the road widening.

They also called on the government to expedite the planning for a Light Railway Transit (LRT) project in the shortest time possible.

The joint manifesto pointed out the recent motive of the DOTr to cancel the P17-billion BRT project would set back the agenda of the present administration to boost infrastructure development and Cebu's earnest dream to have an efficient mass transport system.

It quoted the recent findings of a Japan International Cooperation Agency study saying Cebu's traffic problem has reached at least P1 billion in economic losses.

Metro Cebu has already reached choke point with the traffic congestion affecting all sectors of the society.

The business community asserted that canceling the BRT would only waste the 10 years that it went through the approval process and the resources spent.

Economists have computer the BRT to have a very high economic internal rate of return (EIRR) at 53 percent which means the project is economically feasible and ready for implementation.

While it supports the BRT, the business sector has pointed out the need to include road widening in the project.

The business community's manifesto further pointed out the BRT, believed to be a short-term solution, will still address a degree of urban mobility and traffic congestion, thus benefiting a volume of commuters.

"The decision of the country's Investment Coordinating Committee to engage a Technical Service consultant as well as for DOTr to review its earlier recommendation on the CBRT Project is an opportunity to consider the overwhelming support of the Cebuano community for this urgent solution while including the road widening component along its routes to ensure its success," the joint manifesto reads.

Among the manifesto's signatories include the CCCI, Mandaue Fil-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Cebu Bankers Club, Cebu Contractors Association, Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu, Philippine Retailers Association-Cebu, and Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Association-Cebu.

The business groups urged the government to also work on the proposed LRT system which is seen to benefit more commuters in Cebu.

"We urge the government to undertake its preparation now to avoid further delays and inconvenience to the community and transients," they said.

The business sector also urged the local leaders to set aside their political differences and work together to solve the worsening traffic woes to make it a livable and investment friendly metropolis.

The manifesto stated that its copies were furnished President Rodrigo Duterte, to the secretaries of NEDA, DOF, DOTr and Presidential Assistant for Visayas Michael Dino.