DPWH Cebu Office Provides Detailed Explanation for V. Rama Ave. Road Project Delays
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cebu City District Engineering Office (DEO) has issued a formal defense regarding the ongoing road improvement project along V. Rama Ave., addressing widespread public concerns over prolonged congestion and construction activities. In a letter dated March 6, 2026, to the Cebu City Council, District Engineer Manolo Madronio Jr. outlined that design adjustments, permitting requirements, and interventions from local government bodies were the primary factors behind the project's delays.
Project Scope and Initial Challenges
Originally programmed as a concrete reblocking initiative with a budget of P30.8 million, the project covers the stretch from V. Rama Ave. to Tres de Abril St. in Barangay Calamba. Work commenced on March 13, 2025, but was quickly revised after a joint inspection on March 19, 2025, revealed significant issues. While the road surface exhibited only minor cracks, the sidewalks, curbs, and gutters were found to be dilapidated and unsafe for pedestrian use, with several manhole covers requiring rehabilitation or replacement.
Due to the high average daily traffic on V. Rama Ave., the planned concrete reblocking was deemed infeasible. Instead, the project engineer recommended an asphalt overlay, which led to an expanded scope. The redesign now includes comprehensive rehabilitation of sidewalks, curbs, gutters, drainage lines, and manholes, aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and addressing drainage concerns while minimizing disruption along this heavily trafficked corridor.
Timeline of Delays and Adjustments
The revised project scope was formalized through a variation order issued on March 20, 2025. However, further delays ensued as the DPWH-DEO required a traffic impact clearance, which was not approved until May 22, 2025. Subsequently, the project was suspended until August 2025, pending approval from the new administration. Construction of sidewalk and drainage works finally began in September 2025, following a coordination meeting with the local government unit on September 6.
Additional suspensions occurred due to a resolution from the Cebu City Council, reportedly prompted by concerns raised at the barangay level, and a separate nationwide stop-work memorandum issued by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon on road concreting projects from September to October 2025. Coordination resumed in January 2026, with asphalt overlay works carried out in February 2026.
As a result of these multiple interruptions, the project's completion timeline was extended from the original target of July 27, 2025, to March 13, 2026. Despite these setbacks, the DPWH maintains that the project was implemented in phases and in close coordination with local stakeholders to reduce traffic disruption as much as possible.
Public Concerns and Official Response
The clarification from the DPWH comes amid increasing public complaints over ongoing construction and congestion along one of Cebu City's major thoroughfares. Social media reports had circulated claims that the road was unnecessarily overlaid with asphalt despite being in good condition, prompting Councilor Harold Go to request the DPWH to submit the project's technical and financial basis on March 3, 2026.
In response, District Engineer Madronio emphasized that the project underwent proper procedures and processes prior to implementation, providing a detailed chronology to assure transparency. The joint venture between QG Development Corp. and QM Builders was highlighted as part of the project's execution framework.
Key Points from the DPWH Defense:
- Design changes from concrete reblocking to asphalt overlay were necessary due to traffic volume and safety concerns.
- Permitting delays, including traffic impact clearance, contributed significantly to the timeline extension.
- Local government interventions, such as council resolutions and administrative approvals, caused additional suspensions.
- The project aims to improve pedestrian safety and drainage infrastructure, with phased implementation to mitigate traffic impact.
As the project nears its revised completion date, the DPWH continues to monitor progress and engage with community stakeholders to address any remaining issues.
