Board Eyes Terminal Evaluations in Iloilo City Before Christmas

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Transport Terminal Inspection Board (TTIB) of Iloilo City aims to begin inspecting transport terminals before Christmas Day.

City Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, chair of the City Council’s Committee on Transportation, said one or two terminals are expected to undergo evaluations under this initiative.

He emphasized the importance of the effort, especially during the holiday season, when commuter traffic is expected to increase significantly.

“There’s a significant problem with terminal operations, especially with the influx of passengers during the holidays. This initiative is a collaborative effort, and all board members, including the LTFRB and other agencies, understand the importance of addressing these issues,” Cabaluna said.

As part of the process, the TTIB will convene and require all member offices to submit their respective standards within a week. These standards will serve as the basis for terminal inspections, which the Committee on Transportation will consolidate.

Once finalized, the consolidated standards will be presented to the board for approval.

“By the third week of December, we aim to start inspections so we can call the attention of terminal operators and address what needs improvement before the peak days of Christmas,” Cabaluna explained.

“Once all agencies submit their standards, our office will consolidate them and streamline any overlaps. After the TTIB approves, these will be incorporated into the implementing rules and regulations (IRR), and inspections will proceed,” he added.

Ahead of the inspections, the approved standards will be shared with terminal operators to allow them time to prepare.

The TTIB includes representatives from various agencies, such as the Office of the Building Official, Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TTMO), City Engineer’s Office, City Health Office, Business Permit and Licensing Office, City Tourism Office, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), and members of the commuter and transport sectors.

The inspections will follow a two-step approach. First, the board will identify violations in terminals, give operators a timeframe to address the issues, and impose sanctions if problems are not resolved. Second, compliant terminals will be classified into categories—Class A, B, or C—with compliant operators potentially receiving benefits such as tax exemptions.

In parallel, efforts are underway to develop a traffic management plan to alleviate congestion in three major choke points within Iloilo City: Tagbak in Jaro (near Metropolis and City Mall), Molo Plaza, and the Atrium-Capitol-Rotonda area in Iloilo City Proper.

Cabaluna said the initiative involves collaboration among the City Engineer’s Office, City Planning Office, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), TTMO, and a private planning consultant.

“Iloilo City has 22 identified choke points, but we will focus first on these three areas to determine the reasons for traffic congestion, evaluate potential locations for loading and unloading zones, parking areas, and possible alternative routes for public transportation,” he explained.

Public consultations will be conducted with affected groups in each identified area to ensure all stakeholders are considered.

The traffic management proposal is currently undergoing the legislative process, including committee hearings. It has already been approved on first reading by the City Council.