The city government of Puerto Princesa mulls the establishment of an urban transport terminal near SM City Puerto Princesa to cater PUVs—-jeepneys and multicabs—-to facilitate a seamless and efficient movement of passengers within the city proper, and boost the city’s accessibility.
The proposed plan was discussed during the recent public consultation during the presentation of the proposed Public Transport Modernization Program and the Land Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) 2026-2030.
Maidja Saliente, manager of SM City Puerto Princesa, diclosed that sometime in 2020 or 2021, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) sought the support of the private sector, including SM, for the project.
“We received a proposal from the government, it was not our initiative. This kind of plan is not new to SM. In fact po, marami ng SM Malls na merong mga existing terminals. Actively participating po kami or really pushing for the project,” she said.
Saliente further said that SM is currently preparing the plans and design of the terminal, and it has designated some 3,000 square meters for the terminal.
“A portion of that property was dedicated for this terminal plan as requested by the government
Ano na po yung plano, since it was asked from us. Kasalukuyan po syang pinaplano. 3,000 square meters of that property is allocated for the terminal kasalukuyan po syang dini-design. Kung ano naman po ang mapagkaisahan at ma-approbahan ng City Council, the SM supermalls will also be a partner and will always support the programs na meron kayo,” she further explained.
This terminal will cater to PUVs plying different routes within the city.
While for some city residents, the location of the proposed terminal near SM is strategic, they are hopeful it will materialize sooner to help improve the current situation.
Transport terminals in urban centers are centralized hubs—or nodes—that manage the inflow, outflow, and transfer of passengers and goods, and it provides convenience to the public.
