The Provincial Government of Cebu is taking the lead in implementing the much-anticipated Metro Cebu Expressway (MCE) project through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Governor Pamela Baricuatro announced during a stakeholder meeting held on October 13 at the Capitol.
“The province will implement that project,” said Gov. Baricuatro. “There are now interested parties who would want to do joint ventures with the provincial government.”
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including DPWH Region 7 Director Danilo Villa Jr., City of Naga Mayor Val Chiong, DENR Assistant Regional Director Eddie Llamedo, MGB Regional Director Al Emil Berador, EMB Regional Director Ma. Victoria Abrera, and Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano.
The MCE is a 56.9-kilometer alternative highway that will connect Naga City in the south to Danao City in the north, aiming to cut travel time from three hours to just 50 minutes. The expressway will traverse Cebu’s mountainous spine and is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in Metro Cebu’s urban and commercial centers.
Collapsed Portion in Naga City
During the meeting, concern was raised regarding a landslide that occurred in October 2023, which damaged a 360-meter stretch of the expressway in Naga City, rendering it impassable.
Atty. Ace Durano emphasized the economic impact, particularly on Minebea Mitsumi, a manufacturing plant in the NVIP-Special Economic Zone, Barangay Cantao-an, which employs approximately 6,000 workers.
“This has become a headache for the management since the buses that ferry at least 6,000 employees to and from the plant site had to pass through the collapsed portion,” Durano said.
DPWH: Repairs to Begin, Access in Six Months
In response, DPWH assured stakeholders that work on the affected area will commence soon, with a safe and passable lane expected to be available within six months.
“We will try our best to give you a lane that is safe, nga passable gyud siya,” said Engr. Nonato Paylado of DPWH.
Public-Private Partnerships to Drive Progress
The Provincial Government’s decision to lead the MCE’s implementation via a PPP framework marks a shift in how major infrastructure projects are approached, signaling readiness to engage with private sector partners to accelerate development and ensure long-term sustainability. (Photos: Cebu Province)
