Del Mar to DPWH: Build Cebu its own subway

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City north district Representative Raul del Mar has proposed to Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson the construction of a subway to solve the worsening traffic problem in Cebu.

While there is no specific plan yet on how to proceed with his plan, Del Mar has already asked Singson that DPWH conduct a feasibility study about it.

“Wala pa (No specific plans yet). Everything is still open. Gipa-study-han ni nato ron sa DPWH. Ipaagi pa man ni og bidding, so mao na nga welcome ang tanan to submit their plans and specifications,” del Mar said.

“This is just a start of it. The proposal comes first kay kung dili ni masugdan di wala gyud, dili masunod,” he added.

Del Mar said Singson assured him of his support for the project, including making the feasibility study.

Del Mar said an underpass is more viable since only a few residents would be affected or displaced. He admitted, though, that addressing Cebu’s traffic woes requires not just one approach.

“We need additional measures to really solve the problem because there is no one, two, three measures that are enough,” Del Mar said.

For example, he said, it is best for the city to construct a skyway or a subway in Barangay Banilad instead of widening the road, which is difficult to implement.

Asked about the two flyovers costing around P400 million he proposed to the Cebu City Development Council in 2012, del Mar said project is “on hold” as of the moment.

“I-hold una nato kay kung mao niy (subway) viable, this will take care of everything. We are thinking everything to solve the problem” he said. — Mechelle P. Florita/RHM (FREEMAN)