Colon avenue in downtown Cebu Metropolis. CDN Digital photograph | Brian J. Ochoa
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Is Cebu Metropolis a “walkable” metropolis?
This query has lately began discussions in properties, cafes, and on-line boards, and it’s made extra related and well timed as town authorities advances its plan to pedestrianize the downtown space.
Whereas some hail it as a leap towards sustainability and heritage preservation, others stay skeptical attributable to sensible challenges and the realities of city life.
In June 2024, the Cebu Metropolis authorities unveiled its pedestrianization mission for downtown Cebu. The initiative goals to cut back automobile site visitors, broaden walkways, and, extra importantly, protect town’s iconic landmarks, such because the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño and Magellan’s Cross, from air pollution and overcrowding.
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Metropolis officers believed pedestrianization might rejuvenate the downtown space, boosting native companies by growing foot site visitors and drawing individuals again from suburban malls.
It extends past heritage preservation and financial revival because it aspires to enhance public security and environmental sustainability.
Regardless of its promising objectives, the mission nonetheless wants to beat hurdles. Cebu Metropolis Councilor James Cuenco, chairman of the Committee on Transportation, Communication, and Different Utilities, expressed doubts about its feasibility, significantly given Cebu’s tropical local weather.
“As a consequence of local weather change, [Cebu] experiences excessive climate situations. When it’s summer time, it’s highly regarded, and throughout the wet season, the rain pours closely, resulting in flooding,” Cuenco defined.
Public suggestions, nonetheless, has the identical considerations. In a Fb ballot carried out by CDN Digital on November 28, 2024, netizens highlighted a number of obstacles to walkability.
One consumer commented, “Earlier than sobra [ka-safe], karun dli nakasure kanang kasabay nimo og lakaw dunggabon na ka kay lahi na rung panahuna. Magazine sige nakag hunahuna kong buhi pa ba ka maoli sa balay. Mas higher be secure lang jud tawun lisod na run.
(Earlier than, sure, it was actually [safe], now, you can’t be certain concerning the particular person, whom you might be beside or behind you if you are strolling, she or he may stab you as a result of these occasions it’s actually totally different. You usually take into consideration in case you would nonetheless be alive when heading residence. It will be higher to be secure, in these occasions, it truly is tough.)
Others careworn the necessity for higher infrastructure and management, with one remarking, “It might work with the proper self-discipline and infrastructures in place. It takes numerous dedication and motion from everybody.”
Crime stays a priority
Crime stays one other important concern, regardless of Cebu Metropolis Police Workplace (CCPO) knowledge exhibiting a ten % lower in general crime incidents as of Could 2024. Decreased instances of theft, theft, and bodily accidents sign progress, however public notion of security lags behind.
Nigel Paul Villarete, city planner and civil engineer, weighed in on the talk.
He stated that walkability was extremely subjective and would depend upon elements like distance, pathway high quality, and warmth.
He recognized areas corresponding to IT Park and Osmeña Boulevard as comparatively walkable however talked about the necessity for additional enhancements.
“Osmeña Blvd. is an efficient place as a result of there are many bushes and most locations are pretty shaded. We are able to both plant extra bushes or construct shaded sidewalks. This one, ‘shaded sidewalks,’ I hope the Metropolis would research and, if doable, present funds for,” he stated.
He lauded the Hyperlink to the Port initiative, a part of the Cebu Bus Fast Transit (BRT) mission funded by the World Financial institution and Agence Française de Développement (AFD). Nevertheless, he urged town to broaden and maintain such efforts, suggesting devoted funds within the metropolis’s annual funds for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
Growing inhabitants, automobile rely
Villarete additionally identified that Cebu’s growing inhabitants and automobile rely have been outpacing town’s capacity to construct new roads.
He warned towards over-reliance on flyovers and elevated expressways, which he described as momentary fixes exacerbating automobile dependency.
“Our roads are getting extra congested, and no extra new roads are being constructed. Every little thing’s rising—our inhabitants, the variety of vehicles/autos—however our capacity to construct extra roads is constrained by each lack of area and lack of funds,” Villarete cautioned.
As a substitute, he advocated for environment friendly mass transportation methods and walkability enhancements as long-term options to mobility and congestion points.
“The one and finest resolution to our mobility is sweet and environment friendly public transportation and to enhance as a walkable metropolis,” he concluded.
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