Cebu needs proper infra to take off as global hub

CEBU, Philippines – For Cebu to take off as a legitimate global destination for investments and tourism, it has to heavily invest on infrastructure, otherwise it will be left behind by other destinations in the world, this according to First Metro Investment Corporation president Francisco C. Sebastian, who also sits as vice chairman of Metropolitan Banking Corporation.

He said that establishment of Cebu-Bohol bridge is a very important development that should be given extra attention especially by the private sector, while the government is still downplaying the idea.

Sebastian said that the Cebu-Bohol bridge is not entirely "an impossible dream" for Cebuanos and Boholanos, it is in fact a development that will bring the two cities into a world-class destination.

The proposed 18-kilometer bridge is only as long as the skyways established in other major cities, Cebu should push for the establishment of this proposal, he said.

Aside from the Cebu-Bohol bridge, Sebastian also suggested the Mactan International Airport to be fixed and expanded, as its facilities need improvement and it should be at par with other international airports around the world.

"The key now to growth is not politics-it's overrated. Infrastructure is the real key to growth now," said Sebastian.

He added that the private sector in Cebu has a very critical role in advancing the infrastructure in Cebu. Initiating partnership and good relationship with the government is the most important thing to do now.

As Sebastian made his call to the Cebu private sector to lead the advancement of infrastructure development in the province, the business sector led by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) already presented its wish-list to President NoyNoy Aquino asking for a budget for P4.404 billion mainly to develop the infrastructure in Cebu.

CCCI underscored that the request is for Cebu to take advantage of its potential in tourism, and investments, and improvement in the infrastructure plays a very critical role in the future growth of Cebu.

Sebastian on the other hand, said that while the government has several concerns to address to, the private sector should lead in the infrastructure development under the Private-Public-Partnership (PPP) thrust of the PNoy administration.

Cebu's private sector, which is known as activist for development, is seen to lead the country as example in the infrastructure development, although the help of the government is also needed.

On the other hand, with the national government has downplayed the proposed Cebu-Bohol bridge, the Bohol provincial government is now working with the Bohol private sector to start off the US$13 million feasibility study for the bridge.

Noris Oculam, former president of the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry CCI earlier said that the proposed Cebu-Bohol Friendship Bridge is "on track" since a foreign agency has already pledged to release funds for its feasibility study.

Sebastian said that if Cebu will be able to fix its infrastructure the soonest possible time, it has to expect a promising economic future ahead. (FREEMAN)