CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — About 205 families in Mandaue City are expected to be affected once the construction of the P76.412-billion fourth bridge project in Cebu begins this year.
In an interview, Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said the affected residents will be relocated, although a specific relocation site has yet to be identified.
Ouano said the national government has committed to providing financial assistance to families who will be displaced by the project.
The mayor said officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have already presented to his office the proposal for the construction of the fourth bridge and a coastal road linking Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City, and sought the city government’s assistance regarding residents who will be displaced.
According to Ouano, the families will be affected once construction begins. He said DPWH had shown him images of the project site two years ago, when there were still no residents in the area.
However, he said the area is now fully occupied, as it became the relocation site for fire victims from various barangays in the city. The lot is owned by the government.
Ouano said the city government will call on homeowners in the area for consultations. He added that the affected families already met with city officers last week, although he has yet to receive updates from the meeting.
“Pero mao to ilang gusto nga, as soon as possible, ma-relocate dayon to sila. I’m sure ang gihangyo gyud ani is ma-relocate sila nga the same area lang,” said Ouano.
The mayor said the city government will try to relocate the families within Mandaue City. However, if no relocation site can be provided, Ouano said the national government has promised to give financial assistance.
Ouano did not disclose the exact amount but said the national government committed to providing a “substantial amount,” higher than what the city government alone could offer.
He said that, while the amount is significant, the national government will not be the one to provide a relocation site, although he prefers that affected families be given both financial aid and a new relocation area.
“Pero akong gusto, mahatagan gyud sila og relocation site with the financial assistance coming from the national government,” said Ouano.
Ouano said representatives of the fourth bridge project informed him that construction is expected to start in April this year.
“Ilang giingon nako mga April kuno. Ana ko, “hapit naman ang April, dili man ingon ana kadali mag-relocate ka og pila ka pamilya,” said Ouano.
While he acknowledged the importance of the project, particularly in easing traffic congestion, Ouano said the city requested additional time to properly consult the affected families and ensure they are relocated appropriately.
At present, no public hearing has been conducted, but Ouano said the Housing and Urban Development Office (HUDO) will inform the city once consultations are scheduled. “Mao man ‘to ilang gisulti nga storyahan ang mga officers,” said Ouano.
The mayor admitted that the city currently has limited relocation areas, with only Pasilong sa Paradise in Barangay Guizo available.
However, he said the site is not yet fully occupied as it is intended for emergency use in the event of calamities. “Naa ta’y mga areas, pero dili pa ready sa city,” he said.
Ouano said there are proposals to relocate affected families outside the city, but he noted that residents are reluctant due to distance.
The fourth bridge project, which costs P76.412 billion, will be funded partly by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
DPWH officials, Engr. Renz Daniel del Rosario and project engineer Francis Gabriel M. Atienza, said the proposed infrastructure aims to provide an alternative route for motorists and help ease traffic congestion. Construction is targeted to begin within the year.
The proposed 3.3-kilometer, four-lane bridge will be funded partly through a 120-billion-yen loan—equivalent to around P50 billion—under Japan’s official development assistance program.
Based on the proposed alignment, the bridge and coastal road will run alongside the E.C. Ouano Wharf, connect to Zuelig Road, and link the Lapu-Lapu flyover to Mandaue City. It will establish a new connection between Barangay Ibo in Lapu-Lapu City and an area near the Cansaga Bay Bridge.
Mayor Ouano and members of the City Council welcomed the proposal, saying the revised alignment would significantly improve traffic management by providing an additional access route.
City officials also said the project could potentially be expanded to connect the tri-cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Cebu City, further easing congestion and improving mobility across Metro Cebu.
| Written by Kristin de Dios/RAE (Photos courtesy JICA & Google Maps)
