The dream of a 300-kilometer backbone expressway that will connect the southern tip of Cebu in Santander all the way to the northernmost town of Daanbantayan has been in the pipeline for years. Known as the Cebu Trans-Axial Highway, this ambitious infrastructure project is envisioned to serve as the island’s main arterial road, boosting connectivity, cutting travel time, and spurring economic growth across the province.
The project had its pre-feasibility study completed in 2008, marking the first step toward its realization. By 2013, it gained further traction when it was formally endorsed by the Regional Development Council (RDC), signaling strong local support and recognition of its potential to transform Cebu’s transportation landscape.
Yet, more than a decade later, the highway remains on the drawing board. The key reason: it is still awaiting approval from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) national office. Without the green light from NEDA, the project cannot move forward to full feasibility studies, funding arrangements, and eventual construction.
During the 2025 campaign, Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro mentioned that she would revive the plan, giving renewed hope to proponents who have long been calling for the project’s realization. With Cebu’s population and economic activity continuing to grow, they argue that the Trans-Axial Highway is no longer just a development vision but an urgent necessity.
For many Cebuanos, the question remains: When will this long-awaited expressway finally materialize? Until decisive action is taken, the dream of driving seamlessly from Santander to Daanbantayan will remain just that , a dream on paper.
InfoCebu 