Pedestrianization study completion set before yearend

CEBU, Philippines — The pedestrianization study for Cebu City is eyed for completion before the year ends.

National Economic and Development Authority regional head Efren Carreon said the conduct of the study has been awarded to the University of the Philippines Planning and Development Research Foundation (UP PLANADES).

NEDA regional officials and UP PLANADES recently met too kick off the study that will determine the probable economic impact of making downtown Cebu City walkable.

The P3.5-million study is getting funding from the NEDA Research and Development Funds.

NEDA has tasked the UP research organization to determine the probable economic impact of pedestrianization in stakeholders based on identified parameters such as local revenues, business activities, environment and foot traffic problem.

Carreon said the findings will be used to recommend policies and projects to enhance pedestrianization within the study area.

The study area is located inside the cultural, historical and commercial district of Cebu City downtown.

The test area includes the historic areas in downtown Cebu City, such as areas near Barangay Parian, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Magellan’s Cross, Plaza Independencia and Fort San Pedro.

This space covers 0.35 square kilometers and consists or 16 street sections.

The study entitled "Economic Impact of Pedestrianization of an Urban Space in Metro Cebu" also covers a total road length of 4.59 kilometers.