Archival: Remaining CBRT packages to go on

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival remains positive that the remaining packages of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project will still push through despite the World Bank’s pronouncement to resolve Package 1 first before considering continued support for the remaining packages.

In a press conference yesterday, Archival said an initial amount of ?26 billion has been earmarked for the remaining CBRT project packages. However, he clarified that even if a funder is identified for this amount, the Cebu City Government must still make a formal commitment through a commitment fee.

He said the city has yet to pay the commitment fee for Package 1. He added that it has reached a point where even the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is having difficulty paying the commitment fee. Despite this, Archival said the World Bank assured him that it will still help connect the Cebu City Government with other potential funding sources for the remaining packages.

Currently, all eyes are on Phase 1, which is now 90% complete, as it will serve as a determining factor for whether the World Bank will continue funding the remaining phases. According to Archival, what remains now is the acquisition of lots along the affected stretch for the succeeding packages.

Archival, however, said he has already directed the acquisition committee to expedite the process since funding has already been allocated for it.

“Kining Phase 2, dali nalang unya ni kay mangita raman ta og mga funders, and the World Bank will say, no problem, we will help you,” said Archival.

Archival expressed confidence that once Phase 1 is up and running, it will be easier for the city to find funders for the remaining phases.

He added that it will paint a picture showing that the Cebu City Government, DOTr, and the Cebu Provincial Government have placed greater focus on the project.

He also mentioned that they are exploring a Public-Private Partnership arrangement for the remaining phases.

Despite the World Bank’s pronouncement, Archival remains optimistic that the CBRT project will be completed with all phases intact, noting that it was the president himself who led the groundbreaking ceremony.

In addition, Archival said he has reached an agreement with Cebu Provincial Governor Pamela Baricuaro, who vowed to work with him in ensuring the project’s completion.

“I understand that there is a study that will make it workable. It will help ease the traffic, and this would be a good step towards what we call a good and real public transportation,” said Archival.

On October 29, 2025, a team from the capital will arrive in the city to prepare the full route of Phase 1 ahead of the scheduled dry run on November 5, 2025, which is expected to be graced by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Although the project has long been delayed, Archival assured the public that everything is now on the right track.

It was reported that with just over a year left before its major loan expires, the World Bank urged the Philippine government to reassess the implementation of CBRT Package 1 first before considering support for the rest of the system, or risk forfeiting the remaining loan funds.

This came after a series of setbacks, including legal disputes, right-of-way issues, changes in government leadership, acquisition hurdles, shifting political priorities, and design revisions, such as the removal of the Capitol segment, which caused the project to fall short of its targets.

In line with this, the World Bank granted a five-year extension, moving the revised closing date to September 30, 2026.