By: Chris V. Panganiban
Inquirer Mindanao
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — The long-awaited San Francisco Integrated Transport Terminal (SFITT) formally opened on Monday, Aug. 3, in Barangay Hubang, marking the start of operations for one of the town’s two major infrastructure projects valued at a combined P600 million.
The new terminal is expected to help ease traffic congestion in the town center, reorganize public transport routes and generate additional revenue for the municipal government.
SFITT has 46 bays designed to accommodate incoming and outgoing buses serving different routes. It also features a spacious, airport-style passenger waiting area, with spaces allotted for convenience stores, snack stalls and eateries.
The terminal was originally scheduled to open in April, but the transfer was postponed following concerns that passengers would have to shoulder additional transportation costs amid rising fuel prices.
Vice Mayor Ramil Pulvera earlier acknowledged the concerns and recommended delaying the terminal’s opening until fuel prices stabilized.
Mayor Grace Carmel Paredes-Bravo said the local government proceeded with the opening through an executive order issued last week. She said the facility would help reduce congestion in the poblacion and improve the organization of public transport services.
To lessen the burden on commuters living in the town center, the municipal government designated several pickup and drop-off points along the national highway near the poblacion. Large tarpaulins were installed to guide passengers to the designated areas.
The local government said the pickup points would allow commuters to board tricycles at lower fares instead of traveling directly to the new terminal, which is about three kilometers from the town center.
The regular tricycle fare within the poblacion is P15, while the fare from the town center to the new terminal is P25.
Paredes-Bravo assured residents that the municipal government would conduct a public hearing to gather comments and recommendations on the terminal’s operations. Proposed diversion routes for passenger vehicles would also be discussed during the hearing.
The SFITT forms part of a transport terminal and public market complex financed through a P600-million loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines during the administration of former Mayor Solomon Rufila.
The municipal government has begun paying the loan using a substantial portion of its legally mandated 20-percent development fund.
Municipal officials said about P69 million is allocated annually for principal and interest payments.
Paredes-Bravo said the phased opening of the terminal and the new public market would enable the town to collect revenue from transport operators, commercial establishments and market vendors, helping ease the local government’s financial obligations.
The new public market, which features larger and more organized wet and dry sections, is expected to open later this year.
Municipal officials are finalizing terminal fees, stall rental rates and operating policies. The local government is also considering additional appropriations to address concerns involving the complex’s water and power supply.
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