The World Bank RESTRUCTURING ISDS
Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project (P119343)
Integrated Safeguards Data Sheet
Restructuring Stage
Restructuring Stage | Date ISDS Prepared/Updated: 26-Oct-2023| Report No: ISDSR36996
Regional Vice President: Manuela V. Ferro
Country Director: Ndiame Diop
Regional Director: Sudeshna Ghosh Banerjee
Practice Manager/Manager: Benedictus Eijbergen
Task Team Leader(s): John Kobina Richardson, Sri Kumar Tadimalla
The World Bank RESTRUCTURING ISDS
Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project (P119343)
Note to Task Teams: The following sections are system generated and can only be edited online in the Portal.
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I. BASIC INFORMATION
1. BASIC PROJECT DATA
Project ID Project Name
P119343 Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project
Task Team Leader(s) Country
John Kobina Richardson, Sri Kumar Tadimalla Philippines
Approval Date Environmental Category
26-Sep-2014 Partial Assessment (B)
Managing Unit
IEAT1
PROJECT FINANCING DATA (US$, Millions)
SUMMARY -NewFin1
Total Project Cost 228.50
Total Financing 228.50
Financing Gap 0.00
DETAILS -NewFinEnh1
World Bank Group Financing
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) 116.00
Non-World Bank Group Financing
Counterpart Funding 87.50
Borrower/Recipient 87.50
Trust Funds 25.00
Clean Technology Fund 25.00
The World Bank RESTRUCTURING ISDS
Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project (P119343)
2. PROJECT INFORMATION
PROG_INF O
Current Program Development Objective
The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to improve the over-all performance of the urban passenger transport system
in the Project Corridor in Cebu City in terms of the quality and level of service, safety, and environmental efficiency.
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Note to Task Teams: End of system generated content, document is editable from here.
3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Cebu BRT Project finances the BRT infrastructure and system, corridor traffic management systems, intersection
upgrades and Intelligent Transportation System facilities, and capacity building and consulting services to implement
the BRT and improve adjacent urban spaces.
At the time of the project appraisal, the BRT infrastructure and system included a total corridor length of 23.96 km,
with 14.91 km of segregated sections and 9.05 km of un-segregated sections. By the time of the Mid-Term Review
(MTR), in keeping with then assessment of the issues related to design and land acquisition, the concept design of BRT
infrastructure and system was updated to include support for 12.16 km of segregated sections (traversing from IT Park
to Mambaling to South Road Properties), 28.8 km of unsegregated sections (southwest to Talisay, a neighboring city,
via two routes and northeast from Cebu City to Talamban) and 1.2 km of urban realm improvement. This entailed (a)
converting the Bulacao to Mambaling section from segregated to mixed traffic; (b) converting Ayala to IT Park section
into a segregated section; (c) shifting the location of one of the three BRT terminals (from Ayala to IT Park); and (d)
replacement of another BRT terminal (at Bulacao) with a proposed feeder terminal at Talisay.
The proposed restructuring is essentially to align the project with the scope/design that was agreed during and since
the MTR (as outlined above) and make corresponding changes to the financing plan and the allocation of loan across
various categories. As the proposed restructuring will convert a section of the bus lanes into feeder routes, involuntary
resettlement impacts will be minimized. The feeder routes are conventional bus routes which operate in mixed traffic,
without segregated lanes. The infrastructure required on the feeder routes is limited to conventional bus stops (simple
shelter and seat) which do not require any land acquisition. The two Talisay feeder routes end at a single Talisay
feeder terminal; the land for which will need to be acquired through willing-buyer willing-seller mode or usufruct
agreement. The sites of the Bulacao BRT terminal and the proposed Talisay feeder terminal which now replaces it,
share the same hydrogeological setting, and are not located in flood-prone area. The Talisay site was included in the
E&S screening in the updated environmental assessment. A detailed due diligence assessment will be conducted upon
approval of the project restructuring.
Note to Task Teams: The following sections are system generated and can only be edited online in the Portal.
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4. PROJECT LOCATION AND SALIENT PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS RELEVANT TO THE SAFEGUARD ANALYSIS (IF
KNOWN)
The World Bank RESTRUCTURING ISDS
Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project (P119343)
The Cebu BRT Project is located in Cebu City and Talisay City in the Province of Cebu, Region 7 – Western
Visayas. Cebu City is a highly urbanized city with a land area of 315 sq.km. and population of 964, 169 based
on the 2020 census. Talisay is a component city of Cebu Province and has a land area of 39.87 sq.km. and
population of 263, 048 in 2020. In terms of population density, Cebu City has 3,061 persons/sq.km. and
Talisay City has 6,598 persons/sq.km. The project site is on a relatively flat terrain on the coastal plain and
generally expose to tropical cyclone, flood, and seismic hazard. The project restructuring will support 12.16
km of segregated sections, 28.8 km of unsegregated sections, and 1.2 km of urban realm improvement
compared to the 14.91 km of segregated sections and 9.05 km of un-segregated sections of the BRT
infrastructure and system at the time of the project appraisal. The total corridor length of the project will
directly traverse 30 urban barangays in Cebu and Talisay City. The project is located mainly along national
highways that form busy commercial urban thoroughfares. The project starts at Cebu South Road and runs
along N Bacalso Avenue, Osmeña Boulevard, and Escario Street for about 10km to Ayala Mall and north
along Gov M. Cuenco Avenue for about 5 km to Talamban. The whole of this section of the alignment is built
up on both sides passing through residential, business-commercial, and institutional areas. The dominant
land use activity is commercial that has been developed over many years. There are also a few industrial
factories, schools, colleges, shopping complexes, and occasional churches and mosques along the corridor.
At intervals, there are also drainage channels and structures some way off the main thoroughfare. Very
occasionally, there are undeveloped lots with trees and jeepney stopping lay-bys. The whole project corridor
lies within urbanized and well-developed areas and there are no rare, threatened or endangered species of
flora and fauna in the impact zone of the project.
5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS SPECIALISTS ON THE TEAM
Sitarama Krishna Addepalli, Environmental Specialist
Marivi Amor Jucotan Ladia, Social Specialist
Agnes Chung Balota, Environmental Specialist
SAFEGUARD_TABLE
6. SAFEGUARD POLICIES TRIGGERED
Safeguard Policies Triggered Explanation
Activities under the restructuring, as included in the
initial scope of the project, will continue to have
environmental safeguard issues and impacts
associated mainly with civil works such as dusts,
wastes, noise, vibration, temporary disturbances to
public utilities, and heavy traffic during
Environmental Assessment (OP) (BP 4.01) Yes construction. Trees may also be removed along the
sides and in the median along the work areas.
The project will result in loss of income for (a)
vendors and business establishments along the
corridor; and (b) PUJ operators and drivers. It will
also result to displacement of some vegetation,
The World Bank RESTRUCTURING ISDS
Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project (P119343)
houses and establishments located along the BRT
corridors.
The technical design changes under the project
restructuring and the additional structures and
facilities have been included in the updated
environmental assessment (i.e., Environmental
Performance Report & Management Plan). A
detailed due diligence assessment will be
conducted upon approval of the project
restructuring.
Performance Standards for Private Sector
No
Activities OP/BP 4.03
The project is located in the center of Cebu City, an
urban center and the Philippines second largest city
outside Metro Manila. It is a heavily built up area,
where natural habitats, as defined by the policy, is
not affected by the project based on the EIA study.
There are a few individual trees along the road
sides and center island that may be affected but
Natural Habitats (OP) (BP 4.04) No
these do not constitute natural habitats.
The project has obtained government-issued
Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), tree-
cutting and earth-balling permits that include
include specific provisions on replacement trees,
care and maintenance, and replacement planting.
No forest will be affected by the project as the
Forests (OP) (BP 4.36) No
project is located in an urban center.
The project will not involve any purchase and/or
Pest Management (OP 4.09) No use of chemical pesticides nor will it lead to
increase usage of pesticides.
The Project nor the proposed restructuring will not
be affecting any historical and cultural assets. In
any case, the EIA has prescribed chance find
procedures which will be strictly observed during
the construction phase. As a precautionary
Physical Cultural Resources (OP) (BP 4.11) No
measure, the contract will include a provision
requiring the contractor to immediately stop
excavation activities and promptly inform the
authorities if archaeological and cultural assets are
discovered.
As with the entire Project, the proposed
restructuring is located in urban centers where
Indigenous Peoples (OP) (BP 4.10) No
Indigenous Peoples as defined in OP 4.10 are not
present.
The World Bank RESTRUCTURING ISDS
Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project (P119343)
The proposed restructuring minimizes involuntary
resettlement in the BRT corridor by eliminating
land acquisition in congested areas and opting for
mixed-traffic instead of segregated lanes. Of the
remaining works, only Package 2 will involve
involuntary resettlement including relocation of
less than 60 informal settler families, and loss of
land and businesses. The RAP for Package 2 has
Involuntary Resettlement (OP) (BP 4.12) Yes
been submitted to the RSA for final approval.
Depending on the technical and temporal viability
for a terminal in IT Park, a Corrective Action Plan
(CAP) will be required for the ongoing resettlement
of less than 200 informal settler families by the
Provincial Government should the Project opt to
take the offer of the Provincial Government to use
this land area.
The Project nor the proposed restructuring will not
Safety of Dams (OP) (BP 4.37) No involve construction of any dam nor is it dependent
on any existing dam or dam under construction.
Projects on International Waterways (OP) The Project nor the proposed restructuring is not
No
(BP 7.50) located on International waterways.
The Project nor the proposed restructuring is not
Projects in Disputed Areas (OP) (BP 7.60) No
located in a disputed area.
KEY_POLICY_TABLE
II. KEY SAFEGUARD POLICY ISSUES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT
A. SUMMARY OF KEY SAFEGUARD ISSUES
1. Describe any safeguard issues and impacts associated with the Restructured project. Identify and describe any
potential large scale, significant and/or irreversible impacts.
The proposed restructuring will continue to trigger OP 4.01 Environmental Assessment and OP 4.12 Involuntary
Resettlement. There will be no additional safeguards policies that will be triggered.
The restructuring will cover the 19.75 km of unsegregated feeder routes (from 9.05 km to 28.8 km) with conventional
bus stops, a change in location in one of the two BRT Terminals, and the Talisay Feeder Terminal that replaces one of
the three BRT terminals in the original project design at appraisal. All the infrastructure elements proposed to be
financed on the extended feeder routes were included in the initial scope of the project. The proposed restructuring
only modifies the quantities of such infrastructure elements. There are no new potential environmental impacts
associated with the proposed activities under the project restructuring. The Bulacao Terminal site and the proposed
Talisay Feeder Terminal site under the restructuring, share the same hydrogeological setting and low exposure to
flooding. The safeguard issues and impacts associated with the proposed restructuring activities will mainly come
from the: (i) construction of the BRT pavement, stations, and terminals ; (ii) excavation and reconstruction of the road
and lanes and associated earthworks to utilize the full width of the ROW; and (iii) excavation and reconstruction of
the side drains and lead off drains and upgrading road drainage. Reconstruction of the adjacent BRT road will also
produce large amounts of spoil from surface cutting for disposal.
The World Bank RESTRUCTURING ISDS
Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project (P119343)
While additional infrastructure elements will be included, there will be minimization of significant adverse impacts
based on the latest basic design particularly in the reduction in the number of affected trees, households,
establishments, and informal settlers. This will be verified/confirmed in the parcellary survey, detailed engineering
design, and supporting studies such as the updated RAP, due diligence report and site-specific environmental
management plan. The environmental management plan of the project (i.e., Environmental Performance Report &
Management Plan) has been updated to include the feeder routes and other proposed amendments (e.g., additional
bus stops, terminal). Detailed due diligence assessment will be conducted upon approval of the project restructuring.
As the proposed restructuring will convert a section of the bus lanes into feeder routes, involuntary resettlement
impacts will be minimized. The feeder routes are conventional bus routes which operate in mixed traffic, without
segregated lanes. The infrastructure required on the feeder routes is limited to conventional bus stops (simple shelter
and seat) which do not require any land acquisition. The two Talisay feeder routes end at a single Talisay Feeder
terminal; the land for which will need to be acquired through willing-buyer willing-seller mode or usufruct agreement.
The restructuring may also include redesign and reinforcement of bridges which will also not require land acquisition.
Depending on the technical and temporal viability for a terminal in IT Park, a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) will be
required for the ongoing resettlement of less than 200 informal settler families by the Provincial Government should
the Project opt to take the offer of the Provincial Government to use this land area.
The World Bank has approved the Social Management Plan that covers mitigation measures for affected operators
and drivers and ambulant vendors in the BRT corridor. The proposed restructuring will not necessitate amendment
to this document.
2. Describe any potential indirect and/or long term impacts due to anticipated future activities in the project area.
The Project nor the proposed restructuring will not have any adverse long term impact. While the improvement in
the road system in Cebu will potentially cause increase in traffic and commercial activities that will indirectly lead to
additional pollution, the Project adopted an alternative approach to introduce high occupancy public transport
system to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) and local air pollution. In addition, the project implemented tree planting
activities as well as earth-balling and transplanting as part of the Greening Program under the EMP to mitigate
environmental impacts from project implementation. In terms of social impacts, the project will generate indirect
long-term benefits to commuters including women, the elderly, and the physically challenged by responding to their
concerns which were identified during design-stage stakeholder consultations.
3. Describe any potential alternatives (if relevant) considered to help avoid or minimize adverse impacts.
The proposed restructuring minimizes the adverse land acquisition and resettlement impacts at the relevant road
sections had they not been converted into feeder routes.
4. Describe measures taken by the borrower to address safeguard policy issues. Provide an assessment of borrower
capacity to plan and implement the measures described.
The World Bank RESTRUCTURING ISDS
Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project (P119343)
The Project has not had any incidence of non-compliance. When seen against overall project accomplishment,
resettlement planning is also on track, if not advanced. There is a dedicated team looking into land acquisition and
involuntary resettlement, and who have established solid partnerships with the National Housing Authority and the
Department of Public Works and Highways to help them with the relocation of informal settler families (ISFs) and
compensation of affected persons.
A Due Diligence Report has been prepared for Package 1 which does not involve involuntary resettlement. A similar
instrument is expected to be submitted to the World Bank in January 2024 for Package 3 and for lots in Package 2
that do not require involuntary resettlement. Only Package 2 involves involuntary resettlement. The RAP for Package
2 is with the RSA for final approval. There is a resettlement site for ISFs that has undergone an environmental
assessment and vetted by the ISFs themselves.
A World Bank-approved Social Management Plan is being implemented by the Social Management Implementing
Team to mitigate loss of livelihoods of jeepney operators and drivers and ambulant vendors. A grievance redress
mechanism (GRM) is in place and has been improved and found to be satisfactory as observed during the latest
mission in November 2023. The GRM has handled a total of 41 cases so far including complaints related to ease of
access to enterprises during construction of Package 1 and inquiries related to land acquisition and involuntary
resettlement.
Implementation of measures to address environmental impacts are similarly on track and the project is overall
compliant with the environmental safeguard requirements. The PMO and the PIU have designated project staff that
oversees the environmental safeguards requirements of the project and coordinates with the construction
supervision consultants and the civil works contractor to ensure compliance. The PMO staff is a certified
Environmental Managing Head and the PIU staff is an accredited Pollution Control Officer. The PIU is closely
coordinating with the Cebu City Government (CCG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),
National Housing Authority (NHA), and other relevant agencies on the implementation of the EMP and the conditions
of the Environmental Compliance Certificate, for example, in the Greening Program and the due diligence inspection
of the resettlement area. The Greening Program is progressing well and ahead of the project implementation
requirement. The environmental compliance reports submitted by the PIU are also up to date.
5. Identify the key stakeholders and describe the mechanism for consultation and disclosure on safeguard policies, with
an emphasis on potentially affected people.
The key stakeholders for the proposed restructuring are the same as those for the Project. These include DOTR, LTFRB
and line agencies, CCG, CITOM, PUJ organizations, individual jeepney driver/ operators, commuters, and private car
owners. Affected people include jeepney operators and drivers plying the area and the landowner for the Talisay
terminal.
Environmental considerations for the changes in the project alignment and components were presented to the
stakeholders of the Package 2 affected Barangays, simultaneously with the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP)
/Socioeconomic Survey (SES), in a series of public consultations from September 21, 2020 to October 8, 2020. More
recently, public consultations on the EPRMP were conducted on October 18-20, 2023 and facilitated by the DENR-
EMB Region 7 in Barangays Pahina Central, Cogon Central, and Mambaling, in Cebu City and Barangay Poblacion in
Talisay City. Feedback provided by the stakeholders are mainly clarification on the project description and design such
as the distance of the bus stations, new project cost, fare, fuel technology, accessibility, contribution of the project
on flood control and CO2 emissions avoided. The EPRMP is being duly revised to address all the comments received
and clarifications sought by the project affected peoples from the public consultations, which will be reviewed with
the plan to finalize and disclose the same in January 2024.
The World Bank RESTRUCTURING ISDS
Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project (P119343)
The process of public consultation and disclosure will be continued during the detailed design phases of the Package
2 and 3, led by the DOTr and CCG, together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Affected
property and structures owners will be consulted on the detailed mode and scheme of property and structure
acquisition and compensation. The DOTr and CCG will document the consultations, including information from field
visits, informal discussions, and/or formal communications, together with the subsequent follow-up and resolutions
of issues and concerns raised by stakeholders. Disclosure will be done mainly though the DOTR website and the
project social media account and through the Cebu and Talisay City Government as may be appropriate.
DISCLOSURE_TABLE
B. DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS
ENV_TABLE
Environmental Assessment/Audit/Management Plan/Other
Date of receipt by the Bank Date of submission for disclosure
18-Feb-2013 29-Mar-2013
For Category ‘A’ projects, date of distributing the Executive Summary of the EA to the Executive Directors
“In country�? Disclosure
Country Date of Disclosure
Philippines 31-Jan-2024
Comments
The updated EPRMP is planned to be disclosed in January 2024, following the approval of the restructuring.
RESETTLE_TABLE
Resettlement Action Plan/Framework Policy Process
Date of receipt by the Bank Date of submission for disclosure
18-Feb-2013 29-Mar-2013
“In country�? Disclosure
Country Date of Disclosure
Philippines 31-Jan-2024
Comments
The updated RAP is planned to be disclosed in January 2024, following the approval of the restructuring.
The World Bank RESTRUCTURING ISDS
Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project (P119343)
COMPLIANCE_TABLE
C. COMPLIANCE MONITORING INDICATORS AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL
EA_TABLE
OP/BP/GP 4.01 - Environment Assessment
Does the project require a stand-alone EA (including EMP) report? Yes
If yes, then did the Regional Environment Unit or Practice Manager (PM) review
Yes
and approve the EA report?
Are the cost and the accountabilities for the EMP incorporated in the credit/loan? Yes
IR_TABLE
OP/BP 4.12 - Involuntary Resettlement
Has a resettlement plan/abbreviated plan/policy framework/process framework
Yes
(as appropriate) been prepared?
If yes, then did the Regional unit responsible for safeguards or Practice Manager
Yes
review the plan?
Is physical displacement/relocation expected? Yes
Provide estimated number of people to be affected. 57
Is economic displacement expected? (loss of assets or access to assets that leads
Yes
to loss of income sources or other means of livelihoods)
Provide estimated number of people to be affected. 580
PDI_TABLE
The World Bank Policy on Disclosure of Information
Have relevant safeguard policies documents been sent to the World Bank for
Yes
disclosure?
Have relevant documents been disclosed in-country in a public place in a form
and language that are understandable and accessible to project-affected groups Yes
and local NGOs?
ALL_TABLE
All Safeguard Policies
Have satisfactory calendar, budget and clear institutional responsibilities been
Yes
prepared for the implementation of measures related to safeguard policies?
The World Bank RESTRUCTURING ISDS
Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project (P119343)
Have costs related to safeguard policy measures been included in the project
Yes
cost?
Does the Monitoring and Evaluation system of the project include the monitoring
Yes
of safeguard impacts and measures related to safeguard policies?
Have satisfactory implementation arrangements been agreed with the borrower
Yes
and the same been adequately reflected in the project legal documents?
III. APPROVALS
John Kobina Richardson
Task Team Leader(s)
Sri Kumar Tadimalla
Approved By
Practice Manager/Manager
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