As she vows to preserve heritage: Pam backs BRT station

CEBU, Philippines — As Governor-elect Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro takes the helm of the Capitol in over a week, Cebu Province is moving forward with the construction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station near the Cebu Provincial Capitol while assuring the public that development will not come at the cost of cultural heritage.

In a statement sent to The Freeman, Baricuatro said the BRT project will push through, but in a way that preserves the architectural significance of the Capitol, which is a declared National Historical Landmark.

“Let me be clear: the BRT will proceed  but not at the cost of our heritage,” she said.

She added that her team will coordinate with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) within the week to redesign the station facade in a manner that complements the Capitol’s architecture.

“No more delays, no more demolition threats. If Manila can blend modern LRT with Intramuros, Cebu can do better,” she added.

Baricuatro statement addresses concerns surrounding the halted BRT construction along Osmeña Boulevard—a stoppage enforced by outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in early 2024 over heritage concerns.

In February 2024, Garcia issued Memorandum No. 16-2024, ordering a cease-and-desist on BRT station construction on province-owned lots in front of the Capitol, citing the absence of clearance from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

She argued that the structures violated buffer zone regulations meant to protect the Capitol as a heritage site.

The halt in construction sparked a legal dispute. On March 20, 2024, former Cebu City Mayor Michael “Mike” Rama filed an administrative complaint before the Office of the President, accusing Garcia of abuse of authority.

In April 2024, Garcia clarified that her order only covered the bus stations on provincial land, not the entire CBRT system.

Later in July 2024, Garcia gave CBRT officials a one-week ultimatum to remove the steel structures and warned she would impose rent for the obstructions.

By November 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), in a meeting with World Bank officials, agreed to dismantle the steel foundations and clear the front of the Capitol.

In March 2025, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed to Garcia that there would be no BRT stations within the heritage buffer zone on Osmeña Boulevard.

Garcia maintained that her actions were legal and proper. Her legal team later revealed that the Office of the President had cleared her of any wrongdoing.

Despite the previous administration’s decisions, the incoming governor signaled a new direction that seeks to balance infrastructure development with heritage preservation.

She said her administration will begin working closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), DOTr, and the NCCA starting June 30 to finalize revised plans.

The governor-elect said the BRT station design could be adjusted by changing materials, lowering its height, or relocating entrances.

“But let’s stop using ‘heritage’ as a blanket excuse for inaction. Compliance shouldn’t mean paralysis,” she added.

Baricuatro emphasized that her goal is to advance the project while complying with all regulatory and cultural preservation requirements.

Cebu City support

Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor-elect Nestor Archival Sr. echoed Baricuatro’s position and pledged to cooperate with the provincial government in completing the long-delayed BRT project.

Citing a previous report by The Freeman, Archival said, “Regarding the BRT, she [Baricuatro] said, ‘Atong tiwason’—we will be helping each other.”

Archival has made the CBRT system a top priority—a project originally conceptualized under his running mate and now Vice Mayor-elect Tomas Osmeña.

On June 7, 2025, Archival personally inspected parts of the BRT route with his transition team. He raised concerns over the slow pace of construction and urged stronger coordination.

During his inspection, CBRT Project Manager Norvin Imbong committed that Package 1—covering Cebu South Bus Terminal to the Capitol and up to Plaza Independencia—will be completed by June 30, 2025.

The BRT system includes four main stations: CSBT, Cebu Normal University, Fuente Osmeña, and a relocated station on Escario Street, which replaces the previously planned Capitol-front location.

The project is also shifting toward a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, as the World Bank loan funding it is set to expire next year.

Dizon, during his May 8 visit to Cebu, said the PPP transition was necessary due to expected delays.

He added that a private developer may redesign aspects of the BRT system under the new framework.

Baricuatro expressed openness to working with all stakeholders, including the private sector, to ensure the project’s success.

“Our goal is to finish this project subject to compliance… Really, we leave it up to the concerned agencies to address concerns but this needs to be completed soon!” her statement concluded.  — /ATO (FREEMAN)