CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s administration has begun rolling out temporary relief measures for the transport sector, including reduced terminal fees at the North and South Bus Terminals, to ease mounting operational costs amid rising fuel prices.
For three months, buses will now pay reduced fees of ₱200 from ₱250, V-hires ₱150 from ₱200, and taxis ₱10 from ₱20.
The governor said the directive is anchored on ensuring commuter welfare while helping drivers cope with expenses. “With the rising price of fuel, of course makatabang ni’s ilaha.”
Baricuatro also reiterated her long-standing intent to ease the burden on taxi drivers, noting that the removal of terminal fees is limited by existing policies. “For the longest time, I really wanted to remove the terminal fees for taxis but this is an ordinance,” she said.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces clarified that the adjustment did not require an amendment from the Provincial Board.
“Based on the Revenue Code Ordinance, ang nag-authorize ‘ani is the Economic Enterprise Council for adjustment of prices. It’s reasonable on the part of the governor because everyone is experiencing crisis now,” Empaces said.
He added that the decision was reached quickly following a meeting with members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the council.
“In 15 minutes, we all agreed that this is a big help in terms of cost, not just for the drivers but transport workers,” he said, noting the measure may be extended based on assessment.
Terminal administrator Ahmed Cuizon said the new rates are already in effect and apply equally to buses and minibuses.
He said the terminals handle an average of about 550 buses daily, around 60 V-hires, and approximately 1,400 taxis entering and exiting.
Cuizon admitted the province expects a monthly revenue shortfall of around ₱1 million to ₱1.5 million due to the reduced fees.
“We do not consider it as loss. Our terminal is primarily intended for service, it is not for profit,” he said, adding that collections mainly cover operational costs such as salaries, equipment and supplies.
Empaces, however, said increased compliance among drivers may offset losses. “Kung daghan ang dili mag tagu-tago, mas mosulod na sila kay kaya naman ang ₱10. Basin mo-compensate ra sad ang lower cost because of higher volume,” he said.
The province will review the income performance of the terminals after a month to determine the policy’s impact.
Holy week preparation
With the expected surge of passengers during Holy Week, the provincial government is also enhancing terminal operations to ensure smoother travel.
“Ang ako lang ju’ng instruction is comfort of passengers. Make sure nga comfortable sila unya dili mag-antus, dili pareha sauna nga ang linya moabot sa E-Mall,” she said.
Baricuatro ordered the deployment of free buses for vulnerable sectors, along with the availability of water and medical services in both terminals.
Cuizon said additional air-conditioning units are being installed at the South Bus Terminal, alongside ventilation systems to reduce congestion.
“Even as we speak now, naa na ta’y gipangtaod didto…aron inig-dagsa sa mga pasahero dili na tawn alimuot,” he said. Additional electric fans will also be placed, particularly at the North Bus Terminal, to improve airflow.
Personnel augmentation is underway, with some staff rendering overtime to manage the expected influx of travelers. “We’re augmenting the number of personnel…mo-sakripisyo og overtime just to be sure that passenger needs are met adequately,” Cuizon said.
Mobile assistance teams will be deployed in both terminals, while free mineral water will be distributed to passengers.
Waste management measures are also being reinforced, including proper segregation and additional manpower to maintain cleanliness, especially in restrooms.
Cuizon said the governor recently conducted a surprise inspection and expressed satisfaction over the cleanliness of terminal facilities.
| Written by Jonnavie Villa & CTU-Tuburan Intern, Ashley Chad Jopia/RAE
