Bus terminals packed for Holy Week exodus

CEBU, Philippines — Passenger traffic surged at Cebu’s North and South Bus Terminals as thousands traveled to their home provinces for the Holy Week break.

To ensure smooth transport operations, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro personally inspected the Cebu North Bus Terminal and later the Cebu South Bus Terminal, overseeing on-ground conditions and passenger flow.

Jason Maceren, manager of the North Bus Terminal, said the governor directed staff to prioritize passenger comfort and maintain orderly travel during the holiday rush. Travelers were assured of safe and convenient trips under heightened supervision.

Baricuatro also ordered an increase in bottled water supply at the terminals to 4,500 bottles to help keep passengers hydrated. Authorities likewise reminded the public to travel early and observe safety precautions.

At the North Bus Terminal, the governor noted long queues as early as 6 to 7 a.m., affecting bus turnaround times due to heavy northbound traffic. She urged bus operator Ceres Liner to speed up deployment.

“I talked to Ceres Liner, ‘paspasa nana ninyo’ kay di ko gusto maghuwat ang mga tao nga ingon ana kadugay,” Baricuatro said.

She stressed there should be no prolonged delays, noting that academic breaks and the ongoing oil and fuel situation have led to reduced vehicle operations this week.

Baricuatro later proceeded to the South Bus Terminal to assess facilities for passengers bound for southern Cebu. She inspected waiting areas, ticketing operations, and transport coordination.

The governor expressed relief over improved passenger flow compared to previous years, when queues extended up to Elizabeth Mall.

“Akong dili gusto mahitabo ang maglinya sa gawas pareha saunang katuigan noh, kay taga Pinamungajan man ko so muuli gyud ko diri sa South. Kita ko nga ang mga tao abot sa E-mall maghuwat,” she said.

She also thanked terminal personnel for maintaining an organized system that made travel more manageable despite the surge in passengers.

“Salamat kaayo. You have a system nga dili na angay ang mga katawhan maghuwat dugay under the heat of the sun,” she added.

Meanwhile, the provincial government’s Libreng Sakay program continues to operate daily, deploying four buses each for northern and southern routes, with a capacity of 57 to 60 passengers per trip.

Cebu Province Operations Administrator Ahmed Cuizon said the program prioritizes vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and families with young children.

Cuizon noted that waiting times at the North Bus Terminal remain longer than at the South Bus Terminal, partly due to increased travel to Bantayan Island for upcoming festivities.

Despite the heavy volume, Baricuatro urged passengers to remain patient as authorities continue to manage the situation.

“We are really doing our best. We prepare na for more buses later,” she said.

The governor also assured the public that international travel remains unaffected despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, noting a steady influx of tourists passing through the terminals, including those bound for Moalboal.

“Wala may changes so far sa mga international nga arrivals. I saw a lot of tourists here also going to Moalboal. Hopefully more pa unta,” she said.

The Cebu Provincial Government expressed hope that travelers will reach their destinations safely and observe Holy Week in peace and reflection.

“Hinaot ang ilahang pagsaulog sa Holy Week mahimong paspas, luwas, ug mabungahon. Happy trip ug happy holy week sa tanan,” Cuizon said. — Hannah Gresha O. Abayon UP-Cebu Intern, Sandara Laurente, Ashley Chad Jopia, CTU-Tuburan Interns /FPL (FREEMAN)