The Cebu Provincial Government is seeking to renew its usufruct agreement with SM Prime Holdings to pave the way for long-delayed improvements at the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT), including permanent passenger facilities and a proposed tourist lounge.
CNBT and Cebu South Bus Terminal Administrator Ahmed Cuizon said the absence of a renewed agreement is currently preventing the Capitol from undertaking major infrastructure upgrades inside the terminal.
“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,” Cuizon said.
Cuizon noted that the previous usufruct agreement was signed under the past administration and was co-terminus with the term of the former governor, requiring a new arrangement under the current leadership.
With a new provincial administration in place, he said discussions are ongoing through the Provincial Economic Enterprise Council headed by Paulo Uy, with final approval still needed from Governor Pamela Baricuatro and the Provincial Board.
Cuizon said planned upgrades are aligned with the provincial government’s goal of improving passenger comfort, particularly for tourists traveling to northern Cebu destinations such as Bantayan and Malapascua.
The CNBT currently accommodates around 2,000 passengers on weekdays and up to 4,000 on weekends, while the Cebu South Bus Terminal handles significantly higher volumes, reaching about 7,000 on weekdays and 11,000 on weekends.
Unlike the South Bus Terminal, CNBT remains an open-air facility, which officials said exposes passengers to heat and discomfort while waiting for trips.
“The governor has always emphasized nga we should always uphold comfort and convenience to passengers including tourists,” Cuizon said.
Plans include coordination with the Provincial Tourism Office for a possible tourist lounge within the terminal to provide a more comfortable waiting area for travelers.
Cuizon stressed, however, that permanent structures cannot be built without a renewed usufruct agreement.
“As of now without the usufruct, we cannot build anything in the property,” he said.
He also raised concerns over the lack of permanent restroom facilities at the terminal, noting that the Capitol currently spends around P5,000 daily for rented portalets.
While free portable toilets have been installed as a temporary measure, Cuizon said the provincial government aims to build permanent facilities.
“Ang gusto gyud ni Gov naa gyuy i-build nga structure mas comfortable,” he said.
Cuizon added that the terminal also experiences recurring low-voltage issues, forcing the use of generators at times due to limitations in making infrastructure requests without a formal agreement in place.
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