By Danilo P. Padua, PhD
The Mar 16, 2025 issue of this paper (ZZW) carried on its front page, news about the Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT) being planned for Baguio City. It is actually a plan being discussed even before the COVID 19 pandemic wreak havoc worldwide.
The IBT has been a reality in many parts of the country decades ago. I have seen some of them in Mindanao, Visayas, and in many regions in Luzon. Definitely, such terminal is a good idea for many reasons.
So, why not in Baguio? The current worsening traffic problem in the city is definitely the main reason why this facility is being considered for establishment. The idea in itself is worth planning for and making it a reality.
The way the plan is being presented maybe good—on paper. In reality, it is hard to comprehend. The proposed lot for the facility is around 4-5km (not 45 as this paper misprinted) away from the Central Business District.
If the City Development Council had already endorsed it and there was already a successful negotiation, I don’t understand what that means. Like me, others would like to know. Is it a negotiation with Uniwide Construction Corporation who is the original proponent?
Am not sure how true it is, but from serious discussions involving some city officials, it seems that a proposed agreement is onerous against the city government. For one, the agreement shall have a sharing system where the private partner will have at least 60% share of the proceeds in the facility. We just hope that no agreement is not signed, until public consultations are done.
Here are some things to consider: One, that the lot targeted as the location of the IBT is actually owned by the Department of Agriculture. There was a proclamation issued in the early 1940’s that the lot was to be used exclusively by the Bureau of Animal Industry, mainly for breeding purposes. That has to be legally changed thru another proclamation, otherwise legal challenges will confront the city; and this is not an easy task! Maybe the DA-CAR has already initiated this?
Two, that the proposed IBT will be primarily suitable only for those buses plying the Marcos highway, aka as Palispis-Aspiras highway. How about those coming from the North where there are a number of bus companies using the Baguio-Naguilian road? Where will they go? There are no alternative roads that will lead them to that IBT. This is next to impossible to have, given the physiography of the city. And how about those using the Baguio-Aritao, and the Halsema roads?
IBTs in other regions are quite successful, mainly because they have flat areas with many roads that could be used to avoid passing by or very near their central business districts. Baguio city does not have that luxury.
Three, that at the moment, there is no current suitable/viable transport system to facilitate movement of passengers from the terminal to points of final destination. IBT could then be a big source of displeasure and discontentment.
Fourth, that the passengers will be overburdened by the additional cost of transport fare. They will entertain in their minds, “How insensitive or uncompassionate the city government could be”. Yes indeed, especially to the economically-challenged citizens.
Concerned citizens should join public hearings regarding this IBT whenever it will be conducted to air their relevant concerns.**
