Pamela Pushes Continuation of P94B Cebu Expressway

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has formally appealed to the national government for financial support to jumpstart the long-stalled Metro Cebu Expressway (MCE). The critical 74-kilometer infrastructure project, valued at approximately P94 billion, is designed to alleviate the severe traffic congestion plaguing the Metro Cebu area.

In a statement issued on August 27, Governor Baricuatro affirmed her administration's strong commitment to seeing the expressway completed. However, she clarified that the Province of Cebu lacks the necessary financial resources to single-handedly fund a project of this immense scale, highlighting the need for collaborative national intervention.

The Metro Cebu Expressway (MCE), a flagship infrastructure project initiated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 2018, faces significant delays due to regulatory and geological challenges. Designed to provide a seamless traffic artery from Danao City in the north to Naga City in the south, the project's progress has been hampered by a series of obstacles.

Persistent issues, including major design revisions, environmental compliance permits, and community concerns, have slowed development. The most critical setback occurred in early 2024 when the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) halted construction on the Naga segment. The halt was issued after authorities determined the project was proceeding without a mandatory Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). Compounding these issues, geotechnical problems such as soil instability led to the collapse of several completed sections, further derailing the timeline for this vital expressway.

Governor Baricuatro announced a critical development for the stalled Metro Cebu Expressway (MCE), confirming that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has officially lifted its cease-and-desist order. This decision paves the way for crews to finally begin repairs on the collapsed sections of the roadway.

Despite this progress, the Governor raised significant concerns about the project's future beyond immediate repairs. She revealed that a comprehensive review by her administration found no guaranteed funding allocated for the expressway within the proposed national budget for 2026. This lack of a definitive financial commitment from the national government casts doubt on the long-term viability and eventual completion of the massive P94-billion infrastructure project.