The or '''Metro Cebu''' is the main
Urban center of the island province of
Cebu . The center is
Cebu City , the oldest city in the
Philippines . Metro Cebu is located along the central eastern portion of the island including the nearby island of
Mactan . It accounts for 14.9 percent land area and 44.16 percent population (2000 census) of the entire province of Cebu.
Metro Cebu is the metropolitan area that is centered on Cebu City, the capital of the Cebu Province with nine surrounding cities and municipalities. It is the second largest metropolitan area in the Philippines in terms of population and the most densely populated urban area outside
Luzon .
It is comprised four cities and six municipalities.
2000 Census
The provincial capitol, the central business district, major educational institutions and the international port are all located in Cebu City while major industrial companies and factories are located in Mandaue City. The international airport and the export processing zone are located in Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island. Metro Cebu's newest city Talisay City is primarily a residential city with its income generated by small and medium sized businesses.
Cebu, or Sugbu, was already a prosperous settlement before it was colonized by
Spain . It had trade relations with
China and the other countries of
Southeast Asia . Cebu the progressive city Southern Philippines, is historically known to be an enterprising fishing village way back in the early days of the
Chou-Ju-Kua .
On
April 7 ,
1521 ,
Ferdinand Magellan landed in Cebu. Magellan, however, failed to successfully claim the Philippines for the crown of Spain, having been slain in neighboring
Mactan Island on
April 27 ,
1521 by its chieftain
Lapu-lapu .
and Cebu Business Park in
Cebu City ]]
On
April 27 ,
1565 ,
Miguel López De Legazpi landed in Cebu. Legazpi renamed the city on
January 1 ,
1571 , from San Miguel to Villa del Santissimo Nombre de Jesus. During this six year period, Cebu City was the capital of the newly established Spanish colony.
Mandaue City then was known as the "Cove of Cebu." It was formally constituted into a “pueblo” between
1580 to
1700 and was officially known as the town of Mandaue in the year 1899. It emerged into an industrial city of Mandaue. Mandaue became a chartered city on
June 21 ,
1969 through Republic Act 5519. It was considered a highly-urbanized city in the year
1991 .
The City of Talisay used to be an
Agustinian estate in 1648 but only became a municipality in
1849 . On
December 30 ,
2000 , Talisay became a component city by virtue of Republic Act 8979.
Lapu-Lapu City was originally referred to as "Mactan." It later became the town of Opon in
1730 , the 7th town founded by the Augustinians in Cebu. "Opon" was the name of the place for centuries. The town of Opon became a city on
June 17 ,
1961 and was named Lapu-Lapu City after its hero, Lapu-Lapu, the first Filipino to defy foreign aggression.
Metropolitan Cebu was conceptualized by government planners in the 1970's and was based on experiences of urban planning in
Metro Manila . Metro Cebu represented the province's thriving urban centers that are physically proximate to Cebu City which is the leading commercial and financial hub in the
Visayas and northern
Mindanao areas with a population largely dependent on the economic opportunities prevailing in the area.
]]
Malays and ''Mestizos'' (Filipinos of mixed descent) constitute the majority in Metro Cebu. Significant number of
Filipino Chinese also lives in Metro Cebu. Most of the Filipino Chinese in Metro Cebu trace their ancestry from
Xiamen in
Fujian ,
China . Foreign groups include the Americans, Chinese, Spaniards, Indians and Pakistanis, Arabs, Japanese, Koreans, British, Italians, Basques, and other Europeans.
Cebuano , the provincial dialect,
Filipino (the National Language that is based on the Manila lingua franca) and
English are the ''
Linguae Francae '', and virtually all people from Metro Cebu understand them. Other languages include
Fookien (
Min Nan 闽南语, spoken by Filipino Chinese in Metro Cebu),
Tagalog ,
Waray , and
Ilonggo .
Majority of the Filipinos are
Christians , mostly
Roman Catholics and
Protestants . The Chinese and the Indians practice
Buddhism and
Hinduism , respectively.
Islam is the religion of the Maranao Filipinos
in
Cebu City is the oldest school in the
Philippines ]]
Many of the best and well known educational institutions in the country are located in Metro Cebu like the oldest school in the Philippines -
University Of San Carlos ,
University Of The Philippines - Cebu,
University Of San Jose - Recoletos ,
University Of Cebu , and the
Cebu Normal University . Other noteworthy universities include
University Of Visayas ,
Cebu Doctors' University ,
Velez College , and
Cebu Institute Of Technology . Many students from nearby provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao go to Metro Cebu to study college. Students from as far as South Korea, Iran, and Nepal also go to Metro Cebu to study college since some degrees especially the medical ones are so expensive back in their hometown.
Many of Metro Cebu's colleges and universities are undergoing campus expansions to accommodate the growing number of students each year. Some of these are the University of San Jose - Recolletos' south campus expansion, the University of Cebu's 9-storey extension in its Banilad Campus and the country's first medical university - Cebu Doctors' University's sprawling new campus at the Cebu Boardwalk in Mandaue City, Metro Cebu.
The
Cebu International School , located in Talamban, Cebu City is currently the only recognized primary and secondary international school in the Visayas and Mindanao region.
Metro Cebu is a juxtaposition of old and new, subdued and exciting, and often interesting places.
is the oldest church in the Philippines]]
in Beverly Hills, Cebu]]
on
June 30 ,
2004 ]]
Cebu City , by far, has the highest concentration of interesting spots, such as the many historical relics and vestiges of the past. The city itself is the country's oldest, antedating Manila by more than 20 years when the Spanish administration decided to transfer the capital to Luzon.
Colon in the downtown area is the country's oldest street.
The downtown area, the old commercial center of the city, has the highest concentration of historical relics from the colonial past.
Parian district, in the eastern end of Colon, is the city's and country's oldest settlement.
Casa Gorordo , nearby, along Lopez Jaena St., still retains most of its original form and structure. It houses a museum and an art gallery.
A few meters due south, stands a tableau of the past, called the Heritage. It is a bronze sculpture commemorating the historic events that unfolded since the arrival of Spanish conquistadors and the battle that ensued between
Ferdinand Magellan and
Lapu-Lapu .
The
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is just two blocks due south of the tableau. The church may not be the oldest in
Cebu but its facade and much of its walls and altar still retain the architectural splendor of the colonial period.
A stone's throw away is
Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño . It is the country's oldest church and smallest basilica anywhere in the world. It houses the country's oldest religious icon, the image of
Senior Sto. Niño (Holy Child Jesus).
Standing at the south entrance of
Basilica Del Sto. Nino is Cebu's most famous landmark, the
Magellan's Cross . The cross was planted by Ferdinand Magellan to mark the beginning of the Christianization of Cebu. It is now housed inside an octagonal kiosk and remains to be the most visited historic spot in Cebu.
A few steps from the basilica is the country's oldest and smallest fort, the
Fort San Pedro . It is the only triangular-shaped fort found anywhere else in the Philippines. Adjacent to the fort is a public park,
Plaza Independencia (Freedom Square).
Occupying one entire city block, the
University Of San Carlos , founded in 1595, is the country's oldest school. It is located near the downtown area flanked from four sides by P. del Rosario St. to the north, Junquera St. to the east, Pelaez St. to the west and Sanciangko St. to the south. The university museum holds some of the most extensive collections of pre-historic artifacts in the country which is worth a visit.
The imposing ,
2004 President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took her oath of office infront of the Cebu Provincial Capitol. She was the first Philippine President to be inaugurated in the province of Cebu.
Up the Beverly Hills, stands the postcard-perfect
Taoist Temple , a proud symbol of Chinese influence on
Cebuano cultural heritage. It houses the teachings of one of ancient China’s great philosophers, Lao-Tse. Its 81 steps represent the 81 chapters of his teachings. The temple is actually a cluster of three temples, the grandest of which is the topmost temple, commanding an awesome view of the city below.
Further up Busay Hills, passing through wealthy enclaves and lush mountains, is the city's highest point, the Tops. It commands a panoramic 360-degree view of the city and its environs. The place is a favorite destination during hot summers where cool fresh air is a welcome treat.
In
Mandaue City one can find a life-size tableau of the Last Supper inside the St. Joseph Church. The sprawling complex of the famous San Miguel Brewery along Highway Seno is the largest of its kind in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Mandaue City has the largest concentration of furniture and fashion jewelry factories anywhere in Cebu. A tour to any of the factories should have a prior arrangement with the management.
]]
Lapu-Lapu City is famous for its white sand beaches and world renowned diving and snorkeling spots. Many upscale hotel and resorts are located in this island such as the Shangri-la Mactan Island Resort, Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort and the Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa.
The
Magellan Shrine and
Lapu-Lapu Shrine stands on Punta Engaño, site of the Battle of Mactan. Nearby, is the famous ''Sutukil'', a row of eateries that specialize in three of Cebuanos' favorite seafood preparations - grilled (''su''gba), stewed (''tu''wa) and pickled (''kil''aw). Lapu-Lapu City is also famous for its thriving guitar making industry. Guitar factories, mostly backyard types, abound in Mactan Island.
Talisay , a newly chartered city is the old resort town. It was the landing site of the Japanese forces during the WWII, paving the way for the eventual occupation of Cebu.
Metro Cebu currently has the largest number of
Malls in the
Visayas and
Mindanao regions. Some of the country's biggest malls are in Metro Cebu, these are the
Ayala Center Cebu and
SM City Cebu , both in Cebu City.
Other shopping centers in Cebu City includes Robinson's Place Cebu, Raintree Mall, Colonnade Mall, Rustan's Department Store, Gaisano Metro Colon, Coco Mall, Mango Square, QC Pavillion, Gaisano Country Mall, Rivergate Mall, Gaisano South, Gaisano Main, Century Plaza Complex and the Elizabeth Mall.
Other malls and shopping centers are scattered in the metropolis such as the Pilipinas Makro and Gaisano Metro Mandaue in Mandaue City and Gaisano Mactan and Mactan Marina Mall in Lapu-Lapu City.
Metro Cebu has a lot of markets, locally called ''mercado''.
Carbon Market , or simply Carbon to the locals, is Cebu City's biggest open-air market. It occupies seven city blocks of market space on the waterfront where almost anything is traded. Traders from as far south as Tawi-Tawi and Davao in Mindanao to as far north as Baguio and Manila in Luzon, converge here to sell their wares. Among the best buys are fresh farm produce such as fruits and vegetables and livestock, fresh and processed meat, and house items at bargain prices.
Tabo-an Market , located in the Pahina Central district, is the dried fish trading center. Pasil Fish Port and market in barangay Pasil is Cebu City's largest fish port and trading center. Other major Metro Cebu markets includes Mandaue City Public Market and Lapu-Lapu City Market.
Metro Cebu's electricity is generated by the
National Power Corporation (
NAPOCOR ) which is interconnected by power grids across Visayas. It is transmitted by the state-owned
National Transmission Corporation (
TransCo ) through several high tension wires. It is stored and distributed by the
Visayan Electric Company (
VECO ).
In 1974 the
Metropolitan Cebu Water District (
MCWD ) took over in distributing potable water to the whole metropolis after the Osmena Waterworks System suffered financial losses. MCWD supplies potable water to the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-lapu and Talisay and the municipalities of Consolacion, Lilo-an, Compostela and Cordova from their resevoirs in Talamban and Pardo in Cebu City,Casili in Consolacion and Mananga in Talisay City.
Water shortage has always been a problem in Metro Cebu due deforestation and depletion of underground water supply. There was a proposal to acquire water from nearby
Bohol island because of the water crisis in the metropolis.
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Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (
PLDT ) is the major phone carrier in the metropolis and the entire province. Globelines Innove and Islacom, both subsidiaries of
Globe Telecom came in after the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1995.
There are three wireless telecommunication companies serving Metro Cebu as well as the rest of the Philippines. These are :
- Smart Communications / Pilipino Telecommunications Corp., a PLDT subsidiary - using the brands Smart,Talk n Text, and Addict Mobile
- Globe Telecom - using the brands Globe/Globe Handyphone, and Touch Mobile
- Digitel Mobile - using the brand Sun Cellular.
''See also:
Transportation In The Philippines ''
'''
Metro Cebu's roadways are among the country's busiest. The south highway, Osmena Boulevard, Colon, and V. Rama are Metro Cebu's major roads. A new highway which is the South Coastal Road or the
Cebu Coastal Road is almost complete. The 12 kilometer, 4-lane highway was created to improve traffic in Metro Cebu. It connects Cebu City, Talisay City and other southern municipalities. An almost 1-kilometer long Subway Tunnel is currently under construction to connect the South Coastal Road with the Sergio Osmeña Avenue in the North Reclamation Area. Other planned projects include a series of flyovers in the north district, the Cebu North Coastal Road and Cloverleaf interlink road project.
Marcelo Fernan Bridge which connects Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City is one of the longest and widest bridge in the Philippines. It was constructed to decongest the traffic in the older
Mactan-Mandaue Bridge . This modern bridge has one of the longest center span in the world.
A 3rd Mactan-Cebu bridge as well as an underwater tunnel are both being discussed by local leaders citing the growing inconveniences related to the existing two steel bridges. Funding for the new projects however are out of reach.
The province once had a railway system which started from the southern municipality of Carcar up to Danao City in the north. A railway station was once located near Leon Kilat street, where a shopping mall (Elizabeth Mall) now stands.
A new Mass Railway Transit (MRT) system for Metro Cebu is currently under deliberation in Congress. The planned system will follow the old route starting from Carcar up to Danao City and passing through Cebu City. The system however will be implemented in phases and the first phase might actually begin in Talisay City, Metro Cebu and end up in Mandaue City or Lilo-an, Metro Cebu.
Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is the major airport in the Visayas. Located in Lapu-Lapu City, it is the second busiest airport in the Philippines after Metro Manila's
Ninoy Aquino International Airport .
The number of weekly international flights to and from MCIA is constantly increasing. Cebu has regular direct international flights to
Singapore ,
Hongkong ,
Kota Kinabalu ,
Narita ,
Seoul and
Qatar . There are also chartered and extra flights to
Incheon ,
Taipei ,
Kansai ,
Nagoya and
Kaoshiung .
Metro Cebu's MCIA is the international gateway to the economic hub of the Central and Southern Philippines. There are numerous daily flights between Cebu and most Philippine cities. Air freight to and from Cebu is reliable and efficient with major international couriers like DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT and Aboitiz International operating here.
A new international terminal worth P1 Billion will be constructed starting 2006 and will be completed in four years after which the existing 15 year old terminal, which houses the domestic and international wings and has a capacity of 2 million passengers, will be purely devoted for domestic use.
Metro Cebu's modern
Cebu International Port is one of the country's biggest and busiest port. It serves container vessels and passenger ships with destinations around the country and the world.
The Metropolitan Cebu Development Council was created by the RDC through Resolution No.117 (1997) and was patterned after the
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority . It is mandated to formulate development plans, prepare programs and projects, and coordinate/monitor the implementation of programs and projects that address problems and concerns affecting Metro Cebu.
The MCDC is composed of the Provincial Governor of Cebu; the Mayors of the Cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapulapu and Talisay; and the Mayors of the Municipalities of Compostela, Liloan, Consolacion, Cordova, Minglanilla and Naga. The Governor of Cebu acts as Interim Chairman of the Council.
Last August 2005, development planners in Central Visayas expanded the definition of Metro Cebu to include the towns of
San Fernando and
Carcar in the south and
Danao City in the north.
MCDC does not have legal and institutional powers and resources like the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). The Province of Cebu has proposed a bill to create a permanent
Metropolitan Cebu Development Authority (MCDA). This bill is still pending in both the Congress and Senate.
Metro Cebu will host the 2006
Association Of Southeast Asian Nations (
ASEAN ) Summit.
