Cebu province part of study on Asian urban growth

Cebu province has been selected a subject of the Urban Green Growth in Asia study.

“The study will help us set policies for climate change adaptation and  renewable and sustainable development,”said Chris Lucero, head of the Cebu Provincial Planning and Development Office.

Cebu’s urban core will be the focus of the study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a group of first world countries that promotes policies to improve economic and social well-being.

The study will cost the province P2.5 million or 50,000 Euros, said Lucero.

“Reduction of CFCs in air-conditioners and banning the use of aerosols are examples of what the study will be tackling,” he said.

Meanwhile, a study team of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will meet on September 10 about a traffic and transport study for the vision of a Mega Cebu.

The study has been approved by the Provincial Development Council and has been endorsed to the National Economic and Development Authority.

They will also discuss proposed bills of Rep. Raul del Mar and Luigi Quisumbing to create a Metro Cebu traffic authority.

Lucero said some quarters have suggested renaming Mega Cebu to Smart Cebu.

Within this month, Capitol planners will also further study strategic road links for the proposed Trans-Axial Highway, which some have suggested rebranding as the North-South Expressway.

“Regardless of whoever sits next election, the project will still be realized,” he said.

Lucero said this would firm up the Coordinating Road Investments for Development project resolution that was approved by the Provincial Board in June and the Provincial Development Council.

Since the expressway project as envisioned by the late vice governor Greg Sanchez Jr. would include ecozones, wind energy, water management systems and land development, the project should be rebranded so it doesn’t just focus on the road, said Lucero.

Lucero said that if the province will focus on just developing the backbone highway, several watersheds in Central Cebu would be affected.

He said the Asia Foundation would help get technical assistance and the Australian government would help tap funding.

Lucero said that they plan to start the study on January 1 with the help of the JICA study team.

He said the North-South Expressway proposal was already approved by the PDC and the Regional Development Council and awaits approval of the National Economic and Development Authority.