The proposed station of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit in front of the Cebu Provincial Capitol has drawn scrutiny after the National Historical Commission of the Philippines raised concerns about its potential impact on the historic vista along Osmeña Boulevard.
The issue focuses on the planned Capitol Station, where the current design places a platform along the road median.
Heritage officials warned that the structure could obstruct sightlines toward the Capitol, which is recognized as a National Historical Landmark.
In a letter dated Feb. 10, NHCP Chair Regalado Trota Jose Jr. asked Governor Pamela Baricuatro to state the province’s official position, noting the board’s recommendation to move the BRT lane to the curbside to keep the view unobstructed.
The recommendation differs from the configuration being implemented by the Department of Transportation, which has appealed the proposal and pointed out that the station design has already undergone revisions to reduce its visual impact.
Officials said the height was lowered from 4.7 meters to 3 meters and the width reduced from 6.5 meters to 3.7 meters.
Transport planners also emphasized that a median alignment supports smoother bus operations and minimizes conflicts with other vehicles.
Funding considerations add another layer to the discussion, as the project is backed by the World Bank under a loan that covers the median-lane design.
Officials warned that shifting to a curbside format could affect both financing and timelines.
Despite the differences, the NHCP indicated during a Jan. 28 meeting that it may reconsider the station’s exact placement as long as the Capitol’s vista is preserved. The commission also proposed expanding heritage protection by recognizing Osmeña Boulevard as part of the landmark zone.
Baricuatro has referred the NHCP communication to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to help formulate a unified provincial position, saying coordination between the executive and legislative branches is necessary before responding to national agencies.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said heritage rules require a Conservation Management Plan before any changes within declared sites can proceed, noting that such a plan has yet to be formally submitted.
Discussions are also ongoing with Cebu City officials, since the stretch from Fuente Osmeña Circle to the Capitol has been recognized locally as a heritage area.
Provincial officials said both councils may meet jointly to determine policy direction and finalize the conservation framework.
For now, officials stressed that work on the broader BRT system continues, with the disagreement limited to the configuration of the Capitol Station.(SBA)
