Completed Underground Cable in Cebu City
Underground cables are making their way into Cebu City's bustling South Road Properties (SRP) and Heritage District, thanks to a pilot project underway since March 3, set to wrap up by April.
City Councillor Jerry Guardo, chair of the infrastructure committee, spilled the beans during a phone interview on Friday, April 26, 2025.
Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia greenlit the underground cable installation in SRP and the Heritage District back in March.
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This move comes in compliance with City Ordinance 2750, passed in August 2024, which authorized the installation of utility, power, television, and telecommunications cables underground in the jurisdiction of the city.
The SRP is moonlighting as the project site for two phases, each spanning approximately 22 kilometers.
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In Heritage District, the cables will be laid in strategic locations such as near Plaza Sugbo, City Hall, and the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño. These spots were chosen due to their web of spaghetti wires and the rich history that they embody.
However, according to Guardo, obtaining permits for the underground cable installation in the Heritage District can be a pesky process due to potential concerns from cultural preservationists.
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The Heritage District falls under the umbrella of Republic Act (RA) 11961, better known as the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009. Neil Bongon, director of planning at the project contractor Fibernet Construct Corp. (FKC), shed light on this.
The RA 11961 forbids government projects from progressing without approval from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
Given the sensitivity of working in a heritage zone, the pilot project must collaborate with these cultural agencies and local government units to prevent any damage to historical sites or artifacts. Furthermore, permits, clearances, and environmental compliance certificates are necessary before any major groundwork commences.
In conclusion, the underground cable project in Cebu City's SRP and Heritage District requires special attention to maintain the integrity of the city's cultural heritage. This includes careful planning, securing permits, and ensuring coordination with local and national cultural agencies, environmental authorities, and the city council. Failure to comply may attract legal sanctions or delay the project. As the SRP underground cable pilot project has now been completed, it is likely that such standards were met, but it's always wise to verify the situation with the relevant parties.
- The Philippines' National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, specifically Republic Act (RA) 11961, requires government projects, such as the ongoing underground cable installation in Cebu City's Heritage District, to secure approval from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
- Director of planning at the project contractor Fibernet Construct Corp. (FKC), Neil Bongon, explained that working within the Heritage District, with its rich history and web of spaghetti wires, necessitates close collaboration with local and national cultural agencies, government units, and the City Council to ensure no damage is inflicted on historical sites or artifacts.
- City Councillor Jerry Guardo mentioned that obtaining permits for the underground cable installation in the Heritage District can be challenging due to concerns from cultural preservationists, as the district falls under RA 11961.
- The city's underground cable project, which includes sites in the South Road Properties and Heritage District, aims to maintain the integrity of the city's cultural heritage by carefully planning, securing necessary permits, and adhering to guidelines from local and national cultural agencies, government units, and the City Council to minimize potential damage.
