Gwen backs LRT, waste-to-energy solutions

Cebu Gubernatorial Candidate and Representative Gwen Garcia (second from left) shares her views on traffic and garbage problems in Metro Cebu during a forum at the University of San Carlos. |Tonee Despojo

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Metro Cebu has to keep up with the volume of traffic.

This was according to Gubernatorial Candidate and incumbent Cebu Third District Representative Gwendolyn Garcia, in a forum discussing key issues in Metro Cebu and the whole province held at the Buttenbruch Hall of the University of San Carlos campus in downtown Cebu City today, April 5, 2019.

When asked what mass transport system she prefers for Cebu, Garcia said that the LRT is better that the BRT.

 “Of course it’s the LRT, because I’m trying to figure out, I’m trying to keep an open mind with BRT. But the BRT needs a dedicated lane. And look at our roads, kuwang na, we are not keeping up on the volume of traffic kay daghan na kaayog mga sakyanan,” Garcia said. 

She added that roads should be widened first if the BRT would push through. 

“As of now, given in our existing infrastructure, it will worsen the traffic,” Garcia said. 

Read more: DOTr includes BRT, LRT in list of projects to solve traffic

Garcia also mentioned that Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) should be active to address the problem on the traffic in Cebu. 

“There should be a more active participation in the public sector particularly the governor. Provide leadership and state with no uncertain terms to the LGUs that are affected. We need to work together,” she added. 

Garcia mentioned that creating another body to regulate traffic management would help the traffic situation in Cebu.

Meanwhile, on the problem of waste management in Cebu, Garcia said that the landfill was not the solution.

“Magkalot lang ka diha, unya kung mahurot na. Mangita na pud ka lain area. What we need to do is to address this more scientifically,” she said. 

(We will just dig here and when these areas will be full. Then we will look for other areas. What we need to do is to address this more scientifically.)

Garcia suggested a win-win solution — a plant that would convert waste-to-energy.

“Why don’t we see garbage as a source of a resource for energy,” Garcia said. 

Garcia mentioned that during her term as governor, she already had the plan for the project of waste to energy management. 

“There was already a private company that presented a solicited proposal to the provincial government when I was the governor. They were going to rent the Balili property … 3 to 4 hectares to put up waste to energy plant,” Garcia said.

Garcia emphasized that she would push the project if ever  she would be elected. /dbs