CEBU CITY -- The population of Metro Cebu is currently at 2.5 million and it is expected to double in 2050, according to a study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) through the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB).
The projected increase is one reason why Cebu’s communities should work together, especially on problems that cross boundaries, like traffic jams and flash floods.
“With its rich cultural, religious, historic and natural heritage of the region combined with its highly educated and skilled citizens, Metro Cebu continues and will continue to be a magnet for people, function and enterprise,” said Jica study team leader Shigehisa Matsumura.
Matsumura’s remarks appear in a brochure on the MCDCB’s project Mega Cebu 2050: Making WAVES (wholesome, advanced, vibrant, equitable, sustainable). The project is aimed at creating a sustainable life for all residents of Cebu come 2050.
Among the projects it envisions are the creation of attractive urban centers, parks and open spaces, as well as the strengthening of Cebu’s gateway functions and ecology.
The aim is to make Metro Cebu at par with Yokohama and Kyoto in Japan, Singapore, London, Chicago, and Paris.
Best cases
According to the Jica study, the local government units (LGUs) under Metro Cebu should continue their best practices and learn from the best practices of other international cities.
In a message, Matsumura said most issues in Metro Cebu are “transboundary,” like drainage, traffic and other problems that interlink LGUs.
“Now more than ever, it is necessary for the LGUs, National Government agencies, private sector and civil society to come together in a collective effort to collaborate and cooperate,” Matsumura added.
This was also the essence in creating the MCDCB and Mega Cebu. The former is a juridical entity as mandated by the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7. The latter is a concept.
Roberto Aboitiz, co-chairman of the MCDCB, was quoted in saying: “Mega Cebu is the perspective of looking at governance and development from the big picture and not on an individual LGU-specific scale.”
Highlights
Aboitiz and other private sector representatives initiated Mega Cebu with the help of the LGUs.
The vision encompasses the cities of Cebu, Carcar, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Naga and Talisay and the municipalities of Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Liloan, Minglanilla, and San Fernando.
The MCDCB has outlined the highlights of each LGU.
Cebu City is known for its historic preservation and is home to a good number of business process outsourcing companies, while Mandaue City is popular for its furniture, manufacturing and creative industries.
Lapu-Lapu City, apart from hosting many resorts, is becoming a venue for international sports events. (Sun.Star Cebu)
5 million people in Metro Cebu by 2050: Jica, MCDCB study | Sun.Star
5M people in Metro Cebu by 2050
Reply With Quote
Posting Permissions
