CICC as check-in center? Gov not keen
The Cebu International Convention Center’s (CICC) deteriorating exterior is visible even from a distance. It was last used by police personnel tasked to ensure security for last year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Cebu in this August 2015. (CDN file photo)
Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III is reluctant to allow the use of the Cebu International Convention Center as a check-in center for tourists heading to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
“It is doable but our problem is the condition of the CICC. The building’s interior is in serious need of repairs, so unless someone shoulders the expenses for that in order to turn it into a check-in center, I don’t recommend it,” he said.
Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan, Police Regional Office chief, suggested during last Friday’s Mactan-Cebu Bridge Management Board meeting that the CICC be tapped as a temporary check-in center for tourists.
After checking in, Gaerlan said tourists could wait at the CICC for shuttles to bring them to the airport while repairs on the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge are ongoing.
He said this will help reduce traffic congestion.
But Davide said he is more amenable to using the area outside the CICC as a shuttle center for passengers.
“As long as it is outside and does not involve using the inside of the building, I think we could allow that. However, if it involves the putting up of counters inside (the building) for check-in of airline passengers, I cannot guarantee that I could allow that,” he said.
The governor said he talked with private companies to help ferry passengers bound for the airport as well as employees of special economic zones in Lapu-Lapu City.
He also urged commuters and drivers alike to plan their itineraries when traveling to and from Lapu-Lapu City and to leave earlier than usual to beat the traffic congestion.
“I know everyone will experience discomfort and inconvenience from the bridge repair once it will resume. But I urge all of us to be a little more patient because eventually, the bridge repair will be over,” Governor Davide said.
Meanwhile, residents living underneath the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge are still unaware if their homes will be demolished to allow the repairs to continue.
Christinette Defiesta said they haven’t heard anything from the Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Visayas (DPWH 7) nor from the Mandaue City government.
Defiesta, who lived in the area with her family for over a decade, said she hopes they will be provided with a suitable relocation site. Editha Buaron said she isn’t opposed to the demolition.
“Wala ko’y problema ibalhin basta sa Barangay Looc lang pud. Naa na man diri among panginabuhian, (I don’t have any problems being relocated as long as it will be in Barangay Looc. Our livelihood is already here),” she told Cebu Daily News.
Tony Juanico, Mandaue City Housing and Urban Development Office (HUDO) chief, said he will meet with the families this week to inform them if they are qualified to join other families in the 6.5-hectare relocation site in Barangay Paknaan.
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