MCDCB Eyes Traffic, Flood Problems

Two major urban problems have been identified by the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) that needs immediate action by the government.

Traffic and flood problem tops the concerns of the board during its third quarterly meeting held last August 13 at the Provincial Capitol with Governor Hilario Davide III presiding for the first time, along with mayors who won in the recent local elections.

A creation of a Metro Cebu Traffic Authority was then suggested by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, in which, he said that it was high time to tackle it considering that Mandaue City is also facing the same problem.

Mayor Rama, a co-chairman of MCDCB, consistently recommends the implementation of flare intersection, fixing busted traffic signals, planning of a mass transit, training traffic enforcers, and the widening of roads as appropriate solutions, though these are already being followed.

Issuance to new franchises for public transport should be suspended since its number has increased significantly causing congestion to urban roads. The Mega Cebu leaders could coordinate with the national agencies on this matter if needed.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes also expressed his willingness to cooperate with other local government units for an integrated traffic system and just put their plans into action.

Metro Cebu consists of seven cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Carcar, Danao, Lapulapu, Naga, Talisay; and six municipalities of Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Liloan, Minglanilla and San Fernando. The board aims to develop growth plans and programs.

The urgent need to address the issue sprung from the unofficial announcement that Cebu will still host three of the 22 high-level meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2015 despite failing the chance to host the heads of state.

Prior to the meeting, the Metro Cebu Board held an agreement signing and ceremonial gesture under its Mega Cebu: Making W.A.V.E.S. (Wholesome, Advanced, Vibrant, Equitable and Sustainable) vision wherein the 13 local chiefs along with other members of the board each poured a glass of colored sand into a tall glass and were given paddles or ‘bugsay’ by Gov. Davide as a symbol of collaboration and cooperation. (Gessa Gunhuran, PIO Staff)