CNBT finds new home

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu provincial government, in partnership with SM Prime Holdings Inc., has formally launched yesterday the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT) in its new temporary relocation site at SM City Cebu in Barangay Mabolo in Cebu City.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Senior Vice President Ma. Eloisa Fernan yesterday signed a Usufruct Agreement for the operation of CNBT at SM City North Open Parking Area (NOPA) 2.

Mayors Edgardo Labella of Cebu City and Jonas Cortes of Mandaue, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-7 Director Eduardo Montealto Jr., and Land Transportation Office (LTO)-7 Director Victor Emmanuel Caindec also signed the usufruct.

"It is a triumph that because through all these, the Cebuano showed that indomitable spirit that Cebuanos are known for - never give up. Pangitaan gyud og paagi, dili mahimo nga moingon nalang ta, ah lisod, magpuyo ta," said Garcia.

"This partnership is made more significant and that it signals the drive (and) efforts of the government and the private sector to provide for free use of the property with this terminal which will allow for convenient travel through and from the northern and central parts of the island," Fernan said.

The Capitol has the right to exclusively use the property for two years starting October 12 to June 30, 2022.

With the free use of the property, the Capitol has to maintain and preserve it in good condition.

The use of the NOPA 2 is subject to the SM Prime Holdings Inc. existing rules and regulations around the mall complex on the matters pertaining to maintenance, traffic flow, and security, among others.

However, the SM Prime Holdings Inc. will be the one to pay the taxes, as they remain as the owner of the said property, even if the Capitol has volunteered to pay any real property taxes.

The provincial government decided to take over the CNBT after Cortes' earlier statements expressing his disinterest to renew its lease contract for the property in Subangdaku, Mandaue City that used to be the CNBT for many years.

Cortes said they will put up a barangay hall and police and fire stations at the old CNBT compound.

The new terminal will go full swing starting Thursday. — GAN (FREEMAN)