CEBU CITY - Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia announced that the Cebu City government is prepared to support the pedestrianization of key downtown areas as part of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, provided that all necessary permits are secured. The initiative aims to enhance pedestrian lanes and create a link-to-port feature, integrating it with the city's broader tourism and heritage district plans.
According to Philippines News Agency, the proposal includes widening pedestrian paths along Osmena Blvd., from LandBank to the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino, and along historical Magallanes and Colon Streets. This effort aligns with the establishment of a designated heritage district designed to boost tourism. However, the acting mayor emphasized the importance of obtaining the appropriate permissions before proceeding with road closures and the installation of new facilities.
The push for pedestrianization recently faced criticism when the BRT project management office installed six lampposts in the middle of Osmena Blvd., which many netizens claimed posed a risk to both motorists and pedestrians. "Last week, I have instructed them not to continue putting more of those streetlamps that are put in the middle of the road. It poses danger not only to motorists but to pedestrians alike," Garcia stated during a press conference. He clarified that while he approved the design in principle, he did not endorse the actual installation of these lampposts.
Garcia further noted that any road closure associated with the pedestrianization efforts would require approval from the Cebu City Council. Additionally, he mentioned that enhancements such as bike lanes and expanded pedestrian pathways from the BRT terminal on Osmena Blvd. to the pier area would also need to clear several bureaucratic hurdles, involving various local offices.
BRT project coordinator Norvin Imbong assured that his team would coordinate closely with all relevant entities to ensure that the pedestrianization efforts proceed smoothly and in compliance with all legal requirements. The initiative is expected to enrich tourism-related activities in the area by promoting walking and biking, especially in zones closed to vehicle traffic.