The Metro Cebu Bridge Management Board (MCBMB) inaugurated its new office and state-of-the-art traffic and security monitoring system command center under under the Marcelo Fernan Bridge in Brgy. Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City, marking the completion of P9.5 million in infrastructure upgrades aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of the two major bridges connecting mainland Cebu and Mactan Island.
Gov. Gwen Garcia led the opening and inauguration of the new MCBMB office on March 12. She was joined here by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan, Congresswoman Cindi Chan, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia, Board Members Kerrie Shimura and Mike Villamor as well as Ako Bisaya Partylist second nominee Carissa Garcia.
MCBMB Vice Chair Ricky Dakay, MCIAA General Manager Julius Neri, NEDA7 director Jennifer Bretaña, DOT7 director Judy Gabato, PIA7 director Fayeth Riñen were also in attendance.
The project includes the construction of a P625,498 two-story pre-fabricated office covering 18 square meters, which will serve as the new headquarters for MCBMB operations.
P5 million was also spent on the installation of 39 solar-powered wireless CCTV cameras, equipped with advanced AI technology for human shape and face detection, vehicle detection, and license plate recognition, allowing authorities to better manage traffic and conduct more efficient investigations.
To further enhance the safety of motorists and pedestrians, P1.6 million was allocated for the installation of 70 solar-powered streetlights along the Serging Osmeña Bridge, also known as the First Mactan-Cebu Bridge. Another P1.9 million was spent on 34 solar-powered streetlights for the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, the second bridge connecting Cebu and Mactan Island.
Established in 1999 by Executive Order No. 181 under then-President Joseph Estrada, the MCBMB is responsible for overseeing the development, maintenance, and security of the Cebu-Mactan bridges. The Board is chaired by the Cebu Provincial Governor and includes the mayors of Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Cordova.
With the inauguration of the new command center, MCBMB can now monitor real-time situations on both bridges, significantly improving its ability to manage traffic flow and respond quickly to emergencies. The newly installed solar-powered CCTV cameras represent a major upgrade in security, providing the capability to detect incidents such as potential suicide attempts and assisting authorities in crisis situations. | BJR