On August 17, 1907, the Philippine Commission (the equivalent of today’s congress) passes Public Act No. 1688 providing funds for the completion of the Cebu-Toledo and Carcar-Barili roads.

The building of these roads, connecting the east and the west coast of Cebu Island, was of some consequence. Until these roads were built, land travel between the two sides of the island was done through narrow footpaths and bridle paths that snaked across the central cordillera, dividing the island into eastern and western sides. Difficulties of travel effectively split the island in terms more than merely topographical. The presence on the western side of Cebu City, the islands growth center assured the development of the east. The west, on the other hand, stayed in the semi-dark of underdevelopment.

The link between Cebu and Toledo and that of Carcar and Barili stirred commerce between east and west. Time has shown, however, that these have not been sufficient.

Recent initiatives – the building of the Trans-Central Highway and plans for a Western Cebu Industrial Corridor  - illustrate the need of linking the two sides of the island.

Will such initiatives finally “easternize” the west?

- Ybarra