BRT pushing through, to break ground February 2

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project is breaking ground at Fuente Osmeña Circle on February 2, instead of this month, with no less than the president gracing the event.

Department of Transportation (DOTr)-7’s Engr. Maria Concepcion Encabo confirmed the attendance of the president, who is expected to give his keynote address.

Officials from the Cebu City government, DOTr-7, and the Human Road and Bridge (HNRB) Construction were in attendance at the meeting to finalize the plan.

The BRT is one of the priority projects of the president in his first year into office, as mentioned during his first State of the Nation Address last year.

The groundbreaking ceremony was initially scheduled on January 18, but it was decided that it be moved to February.

The ceremony marks the construction of Package 1 of the BRT project, which would be from Osmeña Boulevard from the corner of Escario St. and right to P. del Rosario Street up to the Cebu South Bus Terminal on N. Bacalso Ave.

Moving it to early next month gives DOTr more time to prepare everything.

“We need time sab to prepare, and the city is focusing on the Sinulog. So, we decided to move it to February 2,” added Encabo.

The number of guests is expected to increase as well with the president around.

“And with an additional guest list, so we have to make additional preparations,” Encabo added.

Aside from the president, DOTr Undersecretary Mark Pastor and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia are also expected to join the event.

With this development, Police Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, Cebu City Police Office (CCPO)’s deputy city director for operations, said that they would add more personnel to secure the event.

Those who attended the meeting had also proposed to close off the venue from 6 a.m. until noon to make way for the groundbreaking ceremony.

The group is meeting again on January 17 to finalize preparations accordingly. — GAN (FREEMAN)