NEDA eyes 'pedestrianization' car ban mulled at cultural sites

CEBU, Philippines — In an attempt to address traffic congestion in Cebu City, the National Economic and Development Authority - 7 is commissioning a study for a possible “pedestrianization” at cultural and historical sites here.

This means that cultural and historical sites will be closed to motorized vehicles and will be made solely as wal king areas.

“We are about to start a study on the possibility of converting sub-urban roads and spaces to pedestrianization. Meaning, off-limits to motorized vehicles,” NEDA-7 Director Efren Carreon told mayors and other incumbent government officials at a conference.

The study aims to determine the economic impact and what policy or legislation should be put in place if plans push through.

“We intend to determine the probable economic impact on our stakeholders based on identified parameters,” Carreon said.

The study is on its procurement stage, which means that the Bids and Awards Committee is determining a team that will be awarded the study project.

NEDA-7 has allocated P3.5 million for the study. If it begins this year, it is expected to finish by mid-2019.

Carreon said pedestrianization has been proven to promote a healthier lifestyle and boost economic activities in other countries and he is optimistic it will work in Cebu City.

He said the government’s response to traffic congestion is creating more road networks but the question in this move is whether or not there is available space for new roads.

“Pedestrianization as an intervention in also helping decongest our congested road areas,” Carreon said.

Cebu City Administrator Nigel Paul Villarete said the city government is open to discussions on the NEDA plan.

Villarete, an urban engineer, said he will support the initiative since he has been biking from home to City Hall during work weeks.

He said the city government’s stand would depend on the result and recommendations of the study.

“Pedestrianization is only a fancy name, like another sterile term - non-motorized transport (NMT). The truth is, walking and cycling (biking) are not alternative modes of transport. They’re the default mode,” he told The FREEMAN.

He said there were initial talks between NEDA and Mayor Tomas Osmeña about the project in June this year. The two parties will discuss the project anew once NEDA secure approvals for the study.

“Pedestrianization simply means making walking at the main mode of mobility in a particular area. I guess we’re open to discussions but whether we agree or not depends on the details of the discussion,” Villarete added.

Antonio Chiu, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said other countries have the concept in place.

"This concept is already in place in several major cities in the world. If implemented properly, it becomes a shopping and eating center. The air quality will improve and becomes a place where people meet and feel safe from being bumped by vehicles," he said.

Aside from the study, NEDA also has three flagship infrastructure projects where Cebu may benefit in the years to come. These are the Cebu-Negros Link bridge, Cebu -Bohol link bridge, and New Cebu International Container Port.

The first two will be funded by the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) while the third will be funded through a loan.

Carreon said a 74-kilometer Metro Cebu expressway is also being constructed in order to cut travel time by about an hour through passing through the highlands area of Cebu City. It stretches from Naga City to Danao City and is expected to be finished in 2022. - JMO, (FREEMAN)