DEC 6, 2015

NR # 4040B

Cebuano solons back creation of Mega Cebu Development Authority

There is a need to create a special body that would coordinate and promote socioeconomic growth and sustainable development within the islands and the Province of
Cebu, lawmakers stressed.
Rep. Raul V. Del Mar (1st District, Cebu City) said House Bill 6227 to be known as
the Mega Cebu Development Act of 2015, which he authored, is now under deliberation
by the House Committee on Government Reorganization chaired by Antipolo City Rep.
Romeo M. Acop.
Co-authors of the bill are Reps. Luigi Quisumbing (6th District, Cebu), Joseph
Durano (5th District, Cebu), Gerald Anthony Gullas (1st District, Cebu), Rodrigo
Abellanosa (2nd District, Cebu City), Aileen Radaza (LoneDistrict, Lapu-Lapu City),
Gwendolyn Garcia (3rd District, Cebu), Benhur Salimbangon (4th District, Cebu) and
Wilfredo Caminero (2nd District, Cebu).
Del Mar said the MCDA shall comprise the core metropolitan area embracing the
highly urbanized cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu and the cities of Danao, Talisay,
Naga and Carcar as well as the municipalities of Consolacion. Liloan, Compostela,
Cordova, Minglanilla and San Fernando and such other cities and municipalities that shall
be included.
The proposed bill was drafted by the Metro Cebu Development Coordinating
Board (MCDCB), chaired by Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III. The proposal will task the
development authority to render services that have metropolitan-wide impact and
transcend local political boundaries, Del Mar said.
Foremost of the MCDA's litany of functions is to formulate, coordinate, regulate
and monitor the short, medium, and long-term plans, policies and programs for the
sustainable development and integration of Metropolitan Cebu Area, including investment
programs for the delivery of multi-LGU or metropolitan wide services, land use, spatial
and physical development using strong, coherent governing values and shared visions with
focus on integrated systems for urban development.
The MCDA shall render services that have multi-LGU or metropolitan wide
coverage and impact, transcending local geopolitical boundaries or entailing substantial
expenditures including, but not limited to, integrated and infrastructure development and
planning; transport and traffic management solid waste disposal and management; water,
septage, sewerage and storm water management and disaster risk reduction and
management.

Under the measure, the body is tasked to ensure that plans, policies, programs and
services are pursued for the purpose of realizing the Mega Cebu 2050 Vision of a
Wholesome, Advanced, Vibrant, Equitable, and Sustainable (WAVES) Cebu, executing the
Mega Cebu development strategy of competitiveness, livability. Mobility and
metropolitan management and implementing the Metropolitan Cebu Roadmap and their
subsequent and related roadmaps.
The governing and corporate powers of the MCDA shall be vested in and exercised
by the Mega Cebu Development Board composed of (a) Governor of the Province of
Cebu; (b) Mayors of the 13 cities and municipalities of Metro Cebu; (c) President of the
league of municipalities of Cebu and (d) heads of private sector and civil society
organizations, associations and coalitions coming from business, service and investment;
environment and social development and other relevant sectors. (30) lvc