Capitol wants project done through public-private partnership

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia wants the Capitol to take over the Metro Cebu Expressway project through a public-private partnership.

Garcia said the province has the capability to implement such huge project with the help of the private sector.

“We are highly capable of entering into a PPP at no expense to the national government, at greater speeds with more efficiency and no hidden costs," Garcia said during a meeting with the officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the barangay captains affected by the said project.

Garcia has proposed to the DPWH-7 officials, saying the Capitol is open to invite interested parties for the implementation of the diversion road from south to northern Cebu.

The governor made the proposal after the DPWH faced environmental and construction challenges.

DPHW is the implementing agency of the 73.7-kilometer expressway connecting the City of Naga in the south and Danao Ccity in the north as an alternative highway.

Garcia said the Capitol is "in the best position" to handle the project as it can handle its local government units.

She furthered that through the PPP, the process could be streamlined with speedy implementation. The Capitol is expecting an answer to its proposal next month as the matter will be relayed first to the central office of the DPWH. — (FREEMAN)