World-class Cebu port terminal up

CEBU CITY—A world-class P149-million passenger terminal building will start operating early next month at Pier 1 here and is expected to boost tourism in the city and province and earnings for the Cebu Port Authority (CPA).

The new terminal features modern facilities that are even comparable to an international airport, said Edwin Cabaron, operation officer of Passenger Terminal 1 at the Cebu City Port area.

“Our predeparture area is fully air-conditioned and fully covered, unlike before. It has met the world-class standards,” said the CPA’s media liaison officer, Karen Gonzales.

Two shipping companies, Starcraft and Ocean Fast Ferries Inc., have been allowed to use the terminal, Cabaron said. They ply the routes out of Cebu province going to Tubigon town, Tagbilaran City in Bohol province, and Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental province.

Once it is fully operational, the terminal will be used by other companies—Cokaliong Shipping, Lite Shipping Corp., George and Peter Lines, and J and N Lines—which ply the routes from Cebu to other ports in the Visayas, Mindanao and Luzon.

Roadways at the right side of the building are still being cured, prompting the CPA to schedule the start of full operations during the first week of December.

The terminal has a huge generator set, 12 new air-conditioning units, eight 42-inch flat TV sets, new passenger seats, imported cargo trolleys and two battery charging areas for cell phones, as well as wheelchairs for persons with disability who shall enjoy a special lane in the entrance area.

Moreover, it has clean and spacious comfort rooms, a breast-feeding station, first aid stations, a meditation room and a play area for children.

Terminal fee has been raised from P10 to P25 per passenger but CPA officials said passengers would get value for money.  Senior citizens and children below 12 years old are exempted from paying the fee.