MANDAUE Lone District Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon hopes the Department of Tourism will help with the full implementation of her proposed tri-level interchange project to address traffic congestion and boost tourism in Cebu.Ouano-Dizon earlier met with Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Garcia-Frasco, as she sought the latter’s help in convincing President Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr. to make the tri-level interchange initiative the administration’s flagship project for Cebu.The proposed tri-level interchange will be constructed along M.C. Briones St. corner U.N. Ave. This area, according to the bill, is where traffic congestion usually happens.Ouano-Dizon told reporters on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022, that she believes the project is essential in resolving the traffic issues, which are causing billions of economic losses for Cebu every day.The lawmaker cited a study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency that showed Metro Cebu wasting at least P132 million worth of man-hours every day due to traffic congestion.On July 2, the Cebuano lawmaker filed House Bill 1098, seeking the construction of the tri-level interchange during the first regular session of the 19th Congress.The bill was a revision of the original House Bill 9886 she filed during the 18th Congress, which the Senate disapproved due to lack of time upon congressional adjournment.Once completed, the proposed tri-level interchange can facilitate traffic not just in Mandaue City but also those from Lapu-Lapu City and the rest of Mactan Island and the northern and southern parts of Cebu, Ouano-Dizon added.She said that with the construction of the tri-level interchange, the travel time along this area would be shortened and become smooth sailing, as there would no longer be traffic lights.As transportation becomes fast, it also means higher sales for businesses, particularly in the tourism sector. The structure itself will attract more tourists and business firms to invest in Cebu, Ouano-Dizon said.She said she is set to meet with officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways 7 again to tackle the cost of the project.The lawmaker is hopeful that the Senate will pass the bill and that it will receive appropriate funds, stressing that the project will create a quantitative impact on tourism and bolster the tourists’ experience in Cebu.