Swift implementation of Cebu-Bohol Expressway project pushed

Local

A RENEWED push is underway to fast-track the construction of the Cebu-Bohol Expressway, a 25-kilometer inter-island project that aims to enhance connectivity, stimulate tourism, and fuel regional economic growth in Central Visayas.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro revealed that she and Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado are now lobbying for the project's swift implementation.

She said the proposal has already been approved three times by the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Visayas and now needs decisive action to move forward.

“Me and Gov. Aumentado, we are lobbying for the fast-track of the project of the Cebu-Bohol Expressway. This would really help in our tourism and our economic growth in both provinces,” Baricuatro said in a press briefing on Wednesday, July 30.

The project was first introduced in 2016 under the Build, Build, Build program of the Duterte administration but was stalled due to funding limitations.

A feasibility study has since been completed, allowing officials to revisit the proposal and explore alternative financing options.

Baricuatro said the expressway would likely be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), following the model used for the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

“Most likely, PPP ni siya just like the CCLEX para paspas kaayo ang project,” she added.

The national government has proposed a potential partnership with Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), which operates CCLEX. Initial routes are being eyed to connect either Cordova or Olango Island in Cebu to the town of Getafe in northern Bohol.

The two provinces have also been working to formalize a sisterhood agreement under the “SugBohol” initiative, a partnership that seeks to strengthen cooperation in areas such as tourism, business, peace and order, and regional development.

“We are serious about the sisterhood agreement between Bohol and the Province (Cebu),” Baricuatro said, citing a meeting with Aumentado during a Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) gathering in Manila where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the expressway.

“We expect this to be soon,” she added.

A joint session between the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu and Bohol was held on November 18, 2024, at the Capitol Social Hall in Cebu City.

The session, presided over by Vice Governors Hilario Davide III and Tita Baja, resulted in the unanimous approval of a resolution authorizing their respective governors to enter into the sisterhood pact.

The resolution aims to “strengthen and foster inter-provinces’ bond of cooperation in relation to tourism, commerce, business and economy, and other shared benefits and growth for Region 7.”

The renewed collaboration comes in the wake of the June 2024 establishment of the Negros Island Region, which realigned Siquijor, Negros Oriental, and Negros Occidental, leaving Cebu and Bohol as the remaining provinces under Region 7. (MyTVCebu)