Bus terminal in Navotas: From garbage to gold

The Navotas Transport Terminal in Northern Metro Manila is not one of the eight bus terminals essential for the successful implementation of the Organized EDSA Bus Route (OBR) traffic scheme of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). But it is more than just that.

It is also an example of garbage turned into gold, said town Mayor Toby Tiangco.

"Dati itong tapunan ng basura. Pero ang dating basurahan ay makakatulong na sa Navotas at kalakhang Maynila." Tiangco said in his speech at yesterday’s inauguration of the terminal.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said the Navotas terminal is an important component of the OBR, being one of the two end points of the public utility buses’ (PUBs) EDSA route, for the traffic scheme to be effectively implemented.

In southern Metro Manila is the Baclaran, Parañaque terminal, which was inaugurated in November last year.

The Navotas terminal can accommodate 400 buses and will be functional starting tomorrow.

Fernando lauded Tiangco and the Navotas municipal government for their "open-mindedness and aggressiveness" in helping the MMDA solve Metro Manila’s traffic problem.

Fernando said the local government was able to help the MMDA keep the cost of building the terminal to a minimum, spending P7.8 million, including the lighting and other utilities.

Tiangco said Robin Sy, president of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and a resident of neighboring Malabon, volunteered to fill the dumpsite with asphalt for free after learning about the project, saving its proponents money.

Sixty to 70 families of illegal settlers still have to be relocated to Towerville in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan to accommodate a portion of the terminal, the mayor added.

Fernando said the OBR is important in improving the transport network and aims to change the transport system in Metro Manila. – Nikko Dizon