The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the ongoing construction and repair sections of the Metro Cebu Expressway (MCE) in Naga City are scheduled for completion in five to six months, following an eight-year delay.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said construction of the expressway, which started in 2018, has moved very slowly and remains unfinished. To speed up the work, he ordered the deployment of additional equipment and DPWH personnel to the site.
The move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to fast-track government infrastructure projects so the public can benefit from them sooner.
DPWH also said it is ready to assist in accelerating the construction of the larger portion of the expressway being handled by the Cebu Provincial Government.
Once completed, the Metro Cebu Expressway will serve as a major north–south highway, running from Naga City to Danao City along Cebu’s mountain slopes. The road is expected to ease heavy traffic in Metro Cebu, especially in urban areas and central business districts.
The expressway aims to improve transport links across Metro Cebu by connecting central, coastal, southern, and northern areas through a high-capacity upland route. It is also expected to support economic activity and tourism.
Travel time is projected to be significantly reduced, with trips from Naga City to the Consolacion boundary cut from 1.5 hours to about 30 minutes, and travel from Naga City to Danao City shortened from three hours to around 50 minutes.
