Nestor, Pam to team up on key Cebu projects

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor-elect Nestor Archival has expressed his enthusiasm to collaborate with incoming Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro on major infrastructure and governance priorities, including the long-awaited completion of the Metro Cebu Expressway (MCE).

“A new chapter begins for Cebu under fresh leadership. Governor Pam's win is a strong reminder that public service belongs to the people. Congratulations, Gov. Pam! I look forward to working with you to bring real, people-first governance to every Cebuanos' doorstep,” Archival posted on Facebook after attending Baricuatro’s oath-taking at the City Sports Club-Cebu.

The two officials previously appeared together on a news forum, where they expressed openness to collaboration and shared a common vision for Cebu’s future. In a follow-up meeting yesterday, both agreed to hold regular discussions after realizing how aligned they are on development priorities for the province.

One of Archival’s key priorities is the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, a project that has seen decades of delays. It was originally initiated under his running mate and now Vice Mayor-elect Tomas Osmeña. According to Archival, Baricuatro has pledged her support to help see the project through.

“Regarding the BRT, she [Baricuatro] said, ‘Atong tiwason’—we will be helping each other,” Archival shared.

Beyond the BRT, the two also discussed the 93-1 issue and the challenges facing the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD). Baricuatro expressed willingness to help resolve these as well.

Archival also emphasized the need to push forward the Metro Cebu Expressway, a major infrastructure project designed to reduce traffic congestion by providing a diversion road from Carcar City in the south to Danao City in the north.

“Kon mapadayon na na, dako kayo siyag alibyo,” Archival said, highlighting the expressway’s potential to ease mobility throughout the province.

To accelerate progress, Archival proposed a joint initiative involving the City Government, the Provincial Government, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“Ako siyang gihangyo nga ‘Gov, pwede ba nga mag joined forces ta? Naa imong mga engineer, naa akong mga engineer. Unya with the DPWH, mangita tag paagi nga madali because it will really help the traffic,” he added.

Last year, outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia ordered a temporary suspension of the expressway’s construction, citing the need for an environmental and safety assessment. Months later, DPWH announced via the Capitol’s Sugbo News that the provincial government would assume leadership of the project.

The Metro Cebu Expressway is part of DPWH’s Priority Infrastructure Flagship Programs (IFPS) and runs through the hilly areas of Metro Cebu. It is divided into three segments: Segment 1 spans 25.20 kilometers from Minglanilla to Cebu City to Mandaue/Consolacion; Segment 2 spans 23.36 kilometers from Mandaue/Consolacion boundary to Danao City; Segment 3A is 4.20 kilometers from Naga City to Minglanilla; and  Segment 3B is  4.18 kilometers covering a proposed but undisclosed area under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

According to DPWH’s last update in 2023, Segment 3A was 97.13% complete. FPL (CEBU NEWS)