Arroyo to inaugurate subway today

CEBU, Philippines - Outgoing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is expected in Cebu today for the inauguration of the subway tunnel that connects Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Avenue to Cebu South Coastal Road.

The president will be received by outgoing Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza, outgoing sixth district Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Felix Guanzon and the police and military officials at the airport for the arrival honors.

From the airport, the president will proceed to her official residence in Cebu, the Malacañang sa Sugbo. She will be received by Mayor-elect Michael Rama, outgoing north district Rep. Raul del Mar and Undersecretary Rafael Yabut of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

At the Malacañang sa Sugbo, the president will transfer to an open type vehicle for the inaugural drive-thru of the tunnel. The unveiling of the obelisk marker will immediately follow and the project briefing by Yabut.

The subway tunnel will be opened to the public but only for light vehicles and for a limited time starting at 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. everyday.

This is to address the traffic situation at the south expressway because of the ongoing construction of the Mambaling overpass.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña has requested the DPWH for the immediate opening of the subway to complement with the overpass construction.

The Cebu South Tunnel Segment (3B-2 Subway) of the Cebu South Coastal Road Project is a 1.23 km. long tunnel, traversing Plaza Independencia towards S. Osmeña Avenue.

The said tunnel will provide direct and uninterrupted access from the south of Cebu to the central business area of Cebu City, Cebu International Port, and the Mactan Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City. —THE FREEMAN