City revives spaghetti wire eradication

CEBU, Philippines — More than a decade after the plan was first laid on the table, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival is now reviving Cebu's spaghetti wire eradication program, an initiative centered on public safety and the city's beautification drive.

Archival convened the Technical Infrastructure Committee last Monday to push forward the Spaghetti Wire Eradication and Wire Bundling Program, which seeks to clear the city's streets of unused, dangling, and improperly installed wires.

He emphasized that the effort will only succeed with the cooperation of telecommunications firms, internet service providers, cable operators, utility stakeholders, and government agencies.

“We encourage all concerned partners to work closely with the City Government in addressing unused, dangling, and improperly installed wires as we strive for safer, cleaner, and more orderly streets throughout Cebu City,” said Archival.

The program has a long history. In 2001, then-Councilor Archival authored City Ordinance 1894, requiring utility companies to transfer overhead cables underground within ten years.

The enforcement, however, faced more challenges than initially foreseen, prompting former mayor Tomas Osmeña to introduce a color-coding scheme in the mid-2000s as a stopgap measure. The scheme allowed companies to tag wires for easier identification and maintenance.

During then-mayor Michael Rama's last term, the program was revived and intensified, especially after Typhoon Odette hit Cebu City.

Aside from the spaghetti wire eradication program, Archival is also looking into expanding the city's beautification efforts by engaging Rotary International District 3860.

Rotary leaders recently met with Archival at City Hall to propose enhancements to the Ayala Underpass and the Archbishop Reyes Flyover underpass, including Rotary markers and civic-themed designs.

Archival welcomed the proposal, stressing that partnerships between government and civic organizations are vital to advancing community development.

The flyover beautification program itself began under Rama, with the city government collaborating with foreign governments to transform flyovers into cultural landmarks.

The Archbishop Reyes Avenue Flyover was painted with murals by French artist Ceet Fouad and Filipino artist Distort Monsters to mark 75 years of France–Philippines relations. Meanwhile, the Banilad Flyover was redecorated with Korea's national flower, Mugunghwa, and the TESDA–Pope John Paul II Avenue Flyover was painted in partnership with the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Cebu.

This time, Cebu City is broadening the scope of its beautification program from international collaborations to partnerships with civic organizations.

Rotary's involvement adds a new dimension, highlighting civic pride and volunteerism alongside cultural exchange.

Together, the wire-bundling initiative and the underpass and flyover beautification projects reflect Cebu City's continuing commitment to urban renewal.

Beyond aesthetics, the government stresses that these efforts aim to deter vandalism, improve safety, and foster civic pride, reinforcing the message that public spaces are shared assets deserving of care and creativity. — (FREEMAN)