While renegotiating a new usufruct agreement Cebu North Bus Terminal public toilets SM City Cebu for the continued use of the mall’s parking facility as the site of the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT), Governor Pamela Baricuatro emphasized one key request: that commuters be provided access to clean, well-maintained public toilets — free of charge.
The ongoing negotiations follow the expiration of the previous agreement between the Capitol and SM City Cebu, which ended with the term of the former governor.
At present, CNBT passengers either pay to use restrooms operated by a private provider, Mister Loo, or walk a considerable distance into the mall to access its facilities.
“Serbisyo man gud ning atoa sa katawhan, and service demands that we give the people basic amenities like a well-maintained public toilet at the terminal,” Governor Baricuatro told SM City Cebu mall manager Engr. Van Aberia and operations assistant Cheryl Torbiso.
During a meeting on September 16 at the Governor’s Office, she was joined by Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces and Capitol terminal manager Ahmed Cuizon, who oversees both the north and south bus terminals.
Engr. Aberia explained that the previous agreement allowed to build temporary structures subject to SM’s approval. But terminal operations will be under the province.
However, Cuizon raised a common concern among commuters. He pointed out that passengers often arrive and depart from the terminal during hours when the mall is closed — typically from late at night until around 10 a.m. — leaving them with no access to any free toilet facilities.
Engr. Aberia acknowledged that the terminal brings consistent foot traffic to SM City Cebu, as northbound commuters have grown accustomed to traveling through the CNBT located at the North Reclamation Area in Mabolo, Cebu City.
Should both parties reach a new agreement, the Capitol is open to exploring solutions. One option is to partner with Topline, the same group that built the public restrooms at the Capitol-run Cebu South Bus Terminal.
“We thank you for accommodating us,” Governor Baricuatro told the SM officials, recognizing the mall as a strategic hub connecting northern Cebu destinations.
Engr. Aberia said he would relay the governor’s request to SM’s top management and expressed willingness to work with Capitol representatives in drafting a mutually beneficial agreement. | 𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶
