MCDCB pushes skyway, bridge

CEBU, Philippines - The Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board has endorsed the construction of a bridge connecting Cebu City and Cordova and a skyway from Cordova to the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

The board also endorsed to the Regional Development Council other infrastructure projects for 2013 proposed by the Partnership for Better Infrastructure (PBI)-Cebu Coalition.

Among the projects proposed by the coalition is the construction of Cebu City-Cordova Bridge. The project was raised by Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy which was supported by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

"Very good development and that will serve both Cordova and Cebu City as well as the Cebu constituency," said Rama.

Sitoy has also proposed skyway from Cordova to the Mactan Cebu International Airport to speed up the access to the airport.

The realization of the proposed bridge will give way to the development of the Shell Island which forms part of Cordova, Sitoy said.

The projects will be submitted before the RDC which in turn will recommend for funding to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

Professor Fernando Fajardo, executive director of the Cebu Business Club, a partner of PBI-Cebu Coalition, also presented yesterday several other proposed projects.

Among those proposed for Cebu City are the Circumferential Road, widening of Banilad-Talamban Road, widening M.J. Cuenco Avenue from Carreta to Mabolo Church, junction improvements from Parklane International Hotel to TESDA Flyover areas and the widening of N. Bacalso Avenue within Cebu City proper.

For Mandaue-Mactan area: Widening of Hernan Cortes Road, widening/improvement of Logarta Street and putting up of two flyovers approaching the two Mactan-Mandaue bridges along Plaridel Street on Mandaue side and the widening of Mactan Circumferential Road including the link to Punta Engaño.

The widening of Cebu City to San Remigio Road, Cebu Southwest Road, widening of Talisay to Naga Road to six lanes and Naga to Carcar to four lanes; widening of Tayud - Liloan Road and the Cebu North Coastal Highway were also proposed. (FREEMAN)