Officials of the Cebu Provincial Government are asking the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to present a clearer visual plan for the proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station along Osmeña Boulevard, directly facing the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro is pushing for either a physical mock-up or a detailed digital simulation of the station to better assess its impact on the Capitol’s visual corridor and heritage value.
She stressed that the province is not opposing the BRT project, but wants to ensure that development will not compromise a protected historical landmark.
The Cebu Provincial Capitol has been recognized as a National Historical Landmark since 2008, a designation that extends protection to its surrounding environment, including sightlines along Osmeña Boulevard.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano said the governor has consistently sought clearance from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) since the issue was raised.
“From the very beginning… ang stand ni Gov (Barcicuarto) is get the approval of NHCP. Mao man gyud to,” Durano said.
He added that while the DOTr has submitted design drawings, provincial officials found them insufficient to clearly visualize the structure’s real-world impact.
“DOTr just submitted ilang drawing, nga di gyud matarong nimo… murag magtag-an-tag-an lang gihapon ang tao ani kung naka-obstruct ba ni or dili,” he said.
Because of this, the Capitol is now pushing for a more concrete presentation.
“So Gov suggests nga they mock it up, either really on the ground or a computerized… aron ma-objectively assess kung unsa’y itsura niya,” Durano added.
The NHCP has also raised concerns on preserving the Capitol’s visual corridor, particularly the line of sight from Fuente Osmeña Circle to the Capitol building.
“Kung magtindog ka sa Fuente Osmeña circle, kinahanglan matan-aw nimo… dili ma-obstruct ang Capitol building,” Durano said.
The DOTr has previously adjusted the station design by lowering its height and incorporating neo-classical elements to match the Capitol’s architecture, but a provincial committee on arts and culture said these changes may still fall short in addressing visual obstruction concerns.
The committee has recommended a balanced approach, calling for stronger coordination between heritage protection and infrastructure development.
“The committee recommends a balance approach that seeks to protect the Capitol building heritage and line of sight while coordinating closely with DOTr,” Durano said, quoting the report.
The provincial government is preparing to formally submit its request for a mock-up or simulation as discussions continue with national agencies.
Durano said the province remains supportive of the BRT project, but emphasized that compliance with heritage protection rules remains essential.
“At the end of the day, they (NHCP) are really the ones enforcing,” he said. (SBA)
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