In BRT station debate: Capitol view at stake

CEBU, Philippines — A faster lane for a mass transport system may open for Cebu, but at what cost to the panoramic view of a historical structure, the 88-year-old Cebu Provincial Capitol?

This, as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has called on the provincial government to act as the proposed BRT Capitol Station along Osmeña Boulevard threatens to block the visual corridor of the historical Cebu Provincial Capitol.

The NHCP warned that the planned median station could obstruct the panoramic view of the Cebu Capitol, a declared National Historical Landmark (NHL).

In a letter dated February 10, 2026, NHCP Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr. requested Governor Pamela Baricuatro to submit the province’s official position on the matter.

The letter referenced the Cebu BRT project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and highlighted the potential impact of the soon-to-be-constructed median station on the Capitol’s historical value.

“The NHCP Board of Commissioners recommended that the BRT lane be transferred to the curbside to ensure that no structure obstructs the Capitol’s vista,” the letter read.

The DOTr, for its part, has formally appealed the recommendation of the NHCP regarding the design of the Capitol Station of the BRT.

The DOTr contended that the project had undergone significant design modifications, with the station’s height reduced from 4.7 meters to 3 meters and its width from 6.5 meters to 3.7 meters.

DOTr also emphasized operational efficiency, noting that a median BRT lane would ensure smoother travel and minimize disruptions to other road users.

Additionally, they highlighted funding and timeline concerns, pointing out that the construction, scheduled from March to August 2025, is financed by the World Bank, which only covers the median lane design, thus, switching to a curbside layout could jeopardize the project’s financing.

In its meeting on January 28, 2026, the NHCP said it might be willing to reconsider the station’s location as long as it doesn’t block the vista to the Capitol.

The commission also suggested that Osmeña Boulevard be officially recognized as part of the National Historical Landmark to protect the area’s overall historical value.

Pam moves to ball

In response, the Office of the Governor sent the NHCP letter to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to solicit the legislative body’s stand on the issue.

The cover letter, signed by Gov. Baricuatro, noted:

“Considering that the Provincial Government is composed of both the Executive and Legislative branches, it is proper to seek the official position of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Your input will shape the collective position of the Province on heritage preservation, infrastructure development, and public welfare.”

The SP received the correspondence on February 16, 2026.

During a press conference, Baricuatro confirmed receipt of the NHCP letter. She emphasized that the province must establish a unified stance before any final decision. “We need to meet with both our council and the Cebu City Council, which initially declared this area a heritage site, to discuss a common position,” she said.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces elaborated on the NHCP’s directive. He said existing laws require local governments to establish a policy and develop a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for heritage sites, which includes the Capitol.

“So niana sila nga tiwasa nalang ‘ning plan kay gikapoy na siguro ang NHCP, pasa diri. ‘Nya kita mismo na’y problema ba kay wa ta mu-send sa ani’ng conservation management plan,” Empaces said.

He clarified that the NHCP is not outright denying the station but seeks a formal heritage plan before allowing modifications.

Coordination between province, Cebu City

Baricuatro noted that discussions with Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival have already begun.

Both Provincial and City Councils will examine existing ordinances declaring the area, from Fuente Osmeña Circle to the Capitol, as a heritage site.

“After establishing a common stand, we will arrange a joint meeting with the city and provincial boards to finalize our direction,” Baricuatro said.

Empaces further explained the CMP’s role in heritage preservation. Once approved, it sets guidelines for any construction or restoration work on designated heritage sites.

He cited examples from other towns, such as Sibonga, where heritage sites underwent successful planning and approval through a CMP.

Fuente Osmeña Circle

Baricuatro also shared plans to highlight the historical significance of the Fuente Osmeña Circle. Historically, the site served as a water fountain for residents. However, no marker currently commemorates this history.

“We intend to install markers to educate the public about the fountain’s historical function and ensure its preservation as part of Cebu’s heritage,” she said.

Despite the ongoing heritage discussions, Empaces clarified that the BRT project itself is not stalled. The contention is limited to the Capitol Station’s exact location.

"Yes, makapadayon man sila. Station nalang gyud ang contention ‘ani. Kay ang contention man gud was naa sa center unya ang argument supports makababag sya sa heritage part area, something like that, so di sila musugot nga adto sa tunga, but sa kilid pwede ra," he noted.

Moving forward

The provincial government and the Cebu City government will hold joint consultations to consolidate positions on heritage and infrastructure.

Following this, both the Provincial Board and the City Council will coordinate to submit a formal CMP and establish heritage guidelines for the Capitol, Osmeña Boulevard, and Fuente Osmeña Circle. — Hannah Gresha O. Abayon, UP-Cebu intern /RAE (FREEMAN)