Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro wants the long-delayed Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system completed before its funding expires in September 2026, following the World Bank’s call to expedite the project.
“I can understand where the World Bank is coming from. I believe more than 10 years now since funding was approved. In short, we’re stretching their patience,” the governor said in response to the Bank’s recently published Implementation Status and Results Report that downgraded the project’s progress to “unsatisfactory” and its risk rating to “high.”
Baricuatro also pointed out that the CBRT is a national government initiative in partnership with the Cebu City government that began long before her term.
The World Bank warned Philippine officials that the $141-million loan may lapse if major progress isn’t made soon.
With just 15 months left, the Bank is urging local and national leaders to treat the matter with urgency, a Capitol release said.
Baricuatro further welcomed news that the World Bank is open to simplifying and restructuring the project.
The governor also noted that historical concerns raised around project components had been addressed.
Capitol consultant on heritage affairs, Jobers Bersales, earlier clarified that the project did not have any historical violations.
In a separate report, the World Bank emphasized that the successful delivery of the BRT now depends on strong collaboration between national agencies and Cebu’s new provincial and city leaders.
