Underpass, flyover to rise near Mandaue mall

CEBU, Philippines —  With a cost of P1.5 billion, an underpass, a flyover, and another road-level passage for vehicles, which is a first of its kind in Cebu, will be constructed at the existing road space in the corner of Pacific Mall in Mandaue City.

This massive “tri-level” undertaking that seeks to decongest this particular corner in Mandaue City is now gaining ground after the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 9886 on its third and final reading on Tuesday.

The measure is principally sponsored by Cebu Sixth District Rep. Emmarie Ouano-Dizon.

Ouano-Dizon said that the passage of the bill is now closer to fruition, especially that the existing road infrastructure simply cannot cope with the growing number of vehicles.

“Nalipay kaayo ko and I thank my colleagues in Congress for approving this bill. Mandaue City and Metro Cebu needed this project ages ago. Makahupay ni sa kakapoy sa pagbyahe sa atong mga commuters, ug makaayo kini sa ekonomiya. Less time stuck on the road means more time with family or with productive endeavors,” said Ouano-Dizon in a statement.

House Bill No. 9886 or “An Act providing for the construction of the tri-level interchange along M.C. Briones St., corner U.N. Avenue, Mandaue City, Province of Cebu and appropriating funds therefore” will be undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways and will be funded by the national government, said Ouano-Dizon’s chief of staff, Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on.

The House bill will still be sent to the Upper House for Senate drafting and approval of its own version of the bill.

Representative Eric Go Yap, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, and Rep. Elejandro Jesus Madrona, chairman of the Committee on Public Works and Highways, have recommended the approval of the bill.

Ouano-Dizon said that the corner at the Pacific Mall in Mandaue has been a burden to motorists for several decades now, affecting workers, students, and businesses, with several hours wasted on the road.

She added that these tri-level interchange would be a major link to the airport and a crucial part of the circumferential road connecting northern and southern Cebu.

“Travel through the corner would reach more than one hour on worst days,” Ouano-Dizon further said.  — JMD (FREEMAN)