The Department of Public Works and Highways has unveiled plans for a fourth bridge linking mainland Cebu to Mactan Island, a P76-billion infrastructure initiative designed to address the worsening traffic gridlock in Metro Cebu. This ambitious project includes a 3.34-kilometer cable-stayed bridge and a coastal road, promising smoother travel and new routes for motorists, while also stimulating economic opportunities and tourism growth.
Families Caught in the Crossfire of Progress
However, this development casts a long shadow over 205 families in Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City, who now face the grim prospect of displacement. These families, many of whom are fire victims, have been residing on government-owned land for the past two years, rebuilding their homes and lives with hope. The bridge construction threatens to uproot them, highlighting the human cost often associated with large-scale infrastructure projects.
The Urgent Need for a Comprehensive Human Plan
While the bridge is undeniably critical for alleviating traffic that minor solutions can no longer fix, it necessitates a robust and compassionate relocation strategy. Advocates emphasize that on-site relocation would be ideal to preserve community bonds. If that proves unfeasible, financial assistance from national agencies must be sufficient, transparent, and fair—moving beyond mere promises to concrete, legally binding agreements.
The government bears a fundamental obligation to ensure every displaced family has access to decent and safe housing before any eviction proceedings begin. Balancing infrastructure demands with social responsibility is paramount; the project should benefit the broader population without leaving vulnerable communities behind in darkness.
Ultimately, this bridge represents a pivotal moment for Cebu: a chance to modernize and thrive, but only if implemented with foresight and empathy. The path forward must prioritize both progress and people, ensuring that no one is sacrificed in the rush to build a brighter future.
