Sibalom: The new PHP50-million public utility terminal in Sibalom town is aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the town proper while providing convenience for commuters. Engineer Henry Vedra, Officer-in-Charge of the Sibalom Municipal Economic Enterprise and Development Office (MEEDO), announced in an interview that the terminal’s construction has been completed.

According to Philippines News Agency, the terminal is situated on a 1.8-hectare lot in Barangay District III, approximately 1.5 kilometers from the town center. Vedra noted that the terminal will address the traffic buildup caused by the influx of people attending the night market held every Monday to Tuesday. With the new facility, jeepneys, vans, and other public transportation are no longer allowed to transport passengers to and from the town proper, except for tricycles.

Prior to the terminal’s construction, public utility jeepneys utilized a privately owned lot as their terminal, while tricycles operated in the town proper to pick up passengers. Vedra also mentioned that a three-day dry-run operation began on September 22 to gather feedback from the transport sector and community for potential improvements.

Commuter Francisco Vedeja remarked that although the terminal is somewhat distant from the town proper, it has effectively reduced traffic in the area.