Authorities inspect ports, bus terminals

CEBU, Philippines – Despite the Lenten season rush, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said yesterday she was elated to see the smooth flow of passengers at the Capitol-owned South Bus Terminal along N. Bacalso Avenue.

She went to the terminal yesterday afternoon to check the ongoing renovation of the facility and check the measures that are being implemented in line with the Lenten season wherein a big number of passengers are expected to go home to their respective provinces.

The governor was accompanied by Capitol security consultant and her brother Byron Garcia and the members of the media.

Gov. Garcia admitted she was overwhelmed when she saw the smooth flow of the passengers in the terminal. 

The provincial government officials checked on the current status of the facility’s renovation, which is expected to turn the terminal “into a world class bus terminal.”

The province wants to make the terminal air-conditioned with food courts inside as well as waiting area for the passengers and a breast feeding area for nursing mothers. Push carts will also be provided to passengers that have bulky cargos.

According to Gov. Garcia, the blessing of the renovated terminal is scheduled in August. She added that she is happy with the successful conduct of bidding to those who wanted to set up a business at the terminal that continues to give earning to the province.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office-7 director Federico Terte also conducted inspections in both the South Bus and North Bus terminals yesterday morning before he proceeded to Pier 4 to check the security measures being implemented.

The police official observed a small problem at North Bus Terminal as several stalls were reportedly segregated inside the passenger lounge itself that created a slight disorganization as there were also many passengers wandering in the area.

Despite that, police noticed a generally peaceful situation as there was no untoward incident reported among the riding public since the start of the week. — Niña G. Sumacot, Johanna T. Natavio and Mark Z. Gantuangco (THE FREEMAN)