Vol. XXI, No. 223-A [ BusinessWorld Online ]
Saturday, June 14, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
A central transport terminal that will serve as Metro Manila’s gateway to Southern Luzon will soon be built along C-5 Road in Taguig City.
This was affirmed by the Taguig City government and the Department of National Defense (DND) during the recent signing of memorandum of agreement (MOA) to undertake a feasibility study for the construction of the Southern Regional Transport Terminal Complex (SRTTC).
In a press statement, Taguig Mayor Freddie R. Tiñga said the proposed public transport terminal will rise on a three-hectare land along C-5 Road near exit leading to the Southern Luzon Expressway (SLEX). The terminal, he said, will feature world-class amenities and facilities.
"The project will benefit us in many ways. Not only will it help ease up traffic in the metropolis, but will also provide many economic opportunities by way of government revenues and job opportunities for our people," Mr. Tiñga said.
For his part, DND Secretary Gilbert C. Teodoro, Jr., lauded the city government for its initiatives in continuously developing the city.
"I congratulate Mayor Tiñga. There’s no need of thinking twice in approving this kind of constructive views," Mr. Teodoro said.
He said the project will contribute to the realization of President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo’s aim to provide six million jobs in six year, which is on top on the list of Ms. Arroyo’s ten-point agenda for 2010.
Under the MOA, DND authorizes Taguig to use the three-hectare property, owned by DND, as site of the proposed SRTTC subject to applicable laws.
When constructed, the SRTTC will serve the provincial buses plying the southern regional and provincial routes.
"It will serve as the central link to various installations such as the international and domestic airports, the Metro Rail System and other key landmarks in the metropolis," Mr. Tiñga said.
The agreement provides that the city government may enter into a separate agreement for the conduct of the study to determine reasonable compensation for use of the property. However, it should bear no cost to the National Government, to DND and the local government of Taguig.
The local government of Taguig or its private sector partner shall be allowed to establish, develop, operate, manage and maintain the SRTTC, the Agreement provides.
Mr. Tiñga said the terminal shall impose strict regulations that will ensure free-flowing traffic in and outside the terminal.
"Traffic within the SRTTC will be uni-flow. Single entry system shall be enforced via SRTTC main vehicular gate. Bus drivers who are e-pass holders for example, shall be allowed to jointly use the priority lane," he explained.
Aside from unveiling the SRTTC, the city government also introduced its other proposed transportation projects during the MOA signing.
Already on the pipeline are the Taguig Express Transit System (TEXTS), a system linking key parts of the metropolis through transport lines; and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), a rail-type transport, except that it employs buses on dedicated lanes, directly connecting C-5 Road in Taguig to Ayala Avenue in Makati .
The MOA signing was witnessed by DND Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Reserved Affairs Ernesto Carolina, Engr. Ernie Camarillo, Taguig City Administrator Wilfredo Villar, Taguig 2nd District Councilors Ricardo Jordan and Erwin Manalili, Chief Chaplain AFP B/Gen. Ephrodito C. Magno, and other AFP officials. — Elizabeth T. Marcelo
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