Baricuatro submits 5 key infra projects to Office of the President

Local

CEBU'S future water pipes, hospital corridors, and coastal roads could soon change the way the province bounces back from disasters.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro is preparing to submit Cebu’s five priority infrastructure projects under the national Build Back Better program to the office of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

The shortlist, still being finalized, highlights long-delayed water management initiatives, upgrades to provincial and district hospitals, and a coastal diversion road.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said the formal presentation will take place on Nov. 26 at a meeting organized by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev), with participation from other national agencies.

"Gipangayoan si Gov og five mega infrastructure projects,” he said.

The Cebu Water Management Masterplan is among the confirmed projects and is expected to start construction in 2026.

Another priority is the coastal diversion road linking Talisay City to Naga City.

It is designed to ease congestion on the national highway and provide an alternative route during emergencies.

The feasibility study for this project is ongoing and is projected to finish by June 2026.

Baricuatro is also pushing for modernization of provincial and district hospitals to improve healthcare capacity and strengthen disaster preparedness across communities.

The remaining two projects are still under review as planners determine which infrastructure needs are most urgent for inclusion.

Empaces noted that the Build Back Better initiative emphasizes rehabilitation projects tied to recent calamities and long-term resilience.

Cebu has been hit by back-to-back typhoons and a major earthquake, underscoring the need for major structural investments.

The Build Back Better Fund, as proposed in the Senate, aims to speed up recovery in areas heavily affected by disasters, including Cebu.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said the fund will support rebuilding homes, restoring heritage sites, and constructing classrooms

For 2026, the Senate is considering higher allocations for agencies handling post-disaster reconstruction.

According to Gatchalian’s office, the national government currently has P182.8 billion available for response and rehabilitation from multiple sources.(MyTVCebu)