President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. instructed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to work closely with local government units (LGUs) in implementing vital transportation and connectivity projects.

The President issued the directive on Thursday during a meeting with the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas (RDC VII) in Cebu, marking the first in a series of on-ground RDC meetings.

He cited, in particular, Cebu’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), which he said is a good idea but requires inputs from the LGUs.

“It will not succeed if you are not working in close coordination with the local governments. So please keep that in mind,” he said.

According to the President, the national government must listen to the LGUs familiar with the situation on the ground and always keep them involved. He said the LGUs will point out the problems and offer solutions.

“Kasi may alam sila na hindi niyo alam. So, that’s the approach that we really should take,” he stressed.

The BRT is one of 10 priority infrastructure projects identified by the government to improve connectivity and health services in Central Visayas. However, it has faced issues with right-of-way (ROW) acquisition and resettlement sites.

The President said the DOTr and the Cebu City government are dedicated to ensuring the security of the resettlement site and project right-of-way and will start construction on the remaining packages as scheduled.

The RDC Central Visayas has requested national government assistance to address the lack of an integrated mass transport system for Metro Cebu and other densely populated urban areas. | PND