CNBT improvement lies in usufruct renewal

CEBU, Philippines — Efforts to improve passenger convenience and tourist facilities at the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT) hinge on the renewal of the Cebu Provincial Government’s usufruct agreement with a well-known mall in Cebu City.

CNBT and Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) Administrator Ahmed Cuizon said the agreement is necessary to allow the Capitol to push through with planned improvements at the terminal, particularly facilities aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and convenience.

Cuizon clarified that there is no conflict between the Capitol and the mall regarding the property arrangement, stressing that the ongoing discussions are merely part of the normal process between two entities.

“There’s no problem really. It’s an ongoing process between two entities and it’s a normal procedure every time there is an agreement that the Province of Cebu wants to enter with the private sector,” said Cuizon.

He explained that the original usufruct agreement was entered into during the previous administration and was co-terminus with the term of the former governor.

According to Cuizon, a new agreement is now needed under the administration of Governor Pamela Baricuatro before additional developments can proceed within the terminal compound.

He said the negotiations are currently being handled by the Provincial Economic Enterprise Council headed by Paulo Uy, after which the agreement will still need approval from the governor and the Provincial Board.

“After ma-approve ang governor, i-submit na siya sa Provincial Board for approval,” Cuizon said.

Cuizon said the renewal is important as the Capitol continues to improve services for both commuters and tourists using the northern terminal, especially travelers bound for Bantayan Island and Malapascua Island.

On ordinary weekdays, the CNBT accommodates around 2,000 passengers daily, while the number doubles to about 4,000 during weekends, he said.

Meanwhile, the CSBT records an average of 7,000 passengers on weekdays and around 11,000 during weekends.

Cuizon noted that unlike the South Bus Terminal, the North Bus Terminal remains an open-air facility, making it uncomfortable for some passengers, particularly tourists unaccustomed to Cebu’s heat.

“The governor has always emphasized that we should always uphold comfort and convenience to passengers including tourists,” Cuizon said.

He said the provincial government is coordinating with the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) for the possible establishment of a tourist lounge where passengers can stay while waiting for buses, but stressed that such projects cannot proceed without a renewed usufruct agreement.

“As of now without the usufruct, we cannot build anything in the property,” he said.

Cuizon added that the absence of the agreement has also prevented the Capitol from constructing permanent restroom facilities inside the terminal.

At present, the province has resorted to renting portalets to provide free restroom services to passengers in line with Governor Baricuatro’s advocacy.

“Ang gusto gyud ni Gov naa gyuy i-build nga structure mas comfortable,” he said.

He disclosed that the province currently spends around P5,000 daily for two rented portalets for male and female passengers, with each unit costing P2,500 per day.

Aside from restroom facilities and the proposed tourist lounge, Cuizon also cited electrical concerns at the terminal, saying the area suffers from low voltage and the province could not request additional power infrastructure without the usufruct agreement.

“There are times even that the voltage is so low we have to use generator, that’s why we have generator there on standby,” Cuizon said.

He added that the situation also results in additional operating expenses for the Capitol. (CEBU NEWS)