EDITORIAL — Revive Mega Cebu

According to a report in this newspaper, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro is eyeing reviving the Mega Cebu, a regional development plan envisioned to fast-track large-scale projects and strengthen inter-local coordination across Metro Cebu.

It has not been active for several years now, with the last meeting of the Mega Cebu Development and Coordination Board, the main coordinating body that harmonized infrastructure planning among local government units (LGUs), national agencies, and the private sector, recorded last January 2020 yet.

Yes, why not revive Mega Cebu? We see this as a good idea.

When you think about it, the problems of one LGU can affect another, especially in an island shaped like Cebu is, with LGUs almost lined up one next to the other. For example, traffic. It’s never really confined to one town or city. If one LGU is experiencing it, especially a central one, chances are it will eventually spill to another. LGUs coordinating to solve a problem like traffic can only be a good thing.

Another good example is flood problems. Storms too, when they cause widespread damage. Disasters don’t recognize boundaries or jurisdictions when doing their thing.

It’s not just for problems. On the other hand, LGUs can also stand to gain from another LGU’s development. For example, more jobs in one can lead to employment of those in surrounding areas.

One problem has always been politics. Let’s be honest here, some local chief executives, although willing, can pressured into not cooperating with other local chief executives, especially if they don’t belong to the same political party. This happens a lot, especially with those who come from rival political families.

The result is that they miss out on what could be meaningful cooperation where they solve their problems together or come up with projects that could mutually benefit their respective LGUs.

The continuity of a project may also be an issue, especially when an administration changes. Good projects may be dropped just because the new administration isn’t “interested” in it anymore.

With problems like traffic, natural disasters, and the like becoming more common, and with an increasing population on the lookout for more opportunities, it’s advisable to have a body that can see the bigger picture of where Metro Cebu is headed, as opposed to just individual towns and cities.