The long-stalled Metro Cebu Expressway (MCE) is back on track as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) resumes rehabilitation and completion work, aiming to finish Segment 3A—the portion that partially collapsed in 2023—before the onset of the rainy season.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the renewed push follows President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to finish long-pending infrastructure projects nationwide.
He acknowledged past delays, describing the MCE as “an example of repeated challenges.”
Segment 3A covers a 4.55-kilometer stretch from Barangay Pangdan to Barangay Cantao-an in Naga City. Heavy rains in October 2023 exposed soil instability beneath the road, causing a partial collapse.
“By June, this will finally be done—less than six months from today,” Dizon said, assuring residents of timely completion.
The MCE spans a total of 56.94 kilometers, linking Naga City in the south to Danao City in the north. It is designed as a major transport corridor to ease congestion across Metro Cebu.
Challenges in the project’s history include funding shortfalls, shifting priorities, and disagreements among agencies.
Earlier construction underestimated soil conditions, leaving voids beneath the roadway.
To address these, engineers are using jet grouting techniques and geocell systems to stabilize the ground and prevent future collapses.
Following the 2023 collapse, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) issued a cease-and-desist order due to the lack of an Environmental Compliance Certificate for the affected area.
The order was partially lifted in August 2025, allowing DPWH and contractor QM Builders to resume work.
Right-of-way issues also delayed progress, particularly in Barangay Pangdan.
Dizon said writs of possession were secured through expropriation and assured affected families that they will receive proper compensation.
While DPWH manages Segment 3A, other portions of the MCE fall under the Cebu Provincial Government.
Segments 1, 2, and 3B are planned for development through a public-private partnership. Dizon said collaboration with Governor Pamela Baricuatro will be crucial to accelerate the remaining segments.
“I will now seek an audience with the governor because the original plans were for a PPP. Maybe we can help in talking for a proponent,” he said.
Dizon highlighted the human impact of the delays. “Let’s finish this. The people of Cebu have suffered enough with traffic congestion,” he said.
Initiated in 2018, the Metro Cebu Expressway remains a key project for regional connectivity, promising long-term relief to motorists across Metro Cebu. (SBA)
