KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews / 12 Oct) – City officials expect the opening of more growth zones here in the next few years with the operationalization of its P150-million integrated transport terminal complex.
City Mayor Peter Miguel said Friday a number of major business ventures have already started to emerge in outlying areas of the 5.9-hectare terminal in Purok Yellow Bell of Barangay Sta. Cruz.
He said these developments will usher in more growth opportunities for the area and eventually expand the city’s economic activities.
The mayor specifically cited portions of the Jessie M. Robredo Avenue, the main road traversing the terminal complex.
The diversion road, which passes the rear portion of the city hall compound, stretches to parts of Barangays Sta. Cruz, San Isidro and Zone 3-Poblacion.
“We expect more businesses and projects to rise in these areas as we have seen with the developments these past years,” Miguel said.
In the last three years, he said a number of businesses have opened by the roadside leading to the terminal.
These include commercial buildings, restaurants and a prime housing project of property developer Camella Homes.
The city government held the soft opening of the terminal complex last Monday after getting accreditation from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
In a certification dated Oct. 1, the LTFRB granted the local government a provisional authority to operate the terminal until Dec. 31, subject to inspection and renewal.
Miguel said they decided to start the progressive operation of the terminal after completing the legal requirements.
Aside from the LTFRB authority, he said the city council approved late last month the ordinance setting the regulations for the operations and management of the terminal.
He cited that the terminal is now fully functional, with 97 percent of the buildings and related structures already completed.
“Its operation is a dynamic process. We will set the necessary improvements and regulations as needed,” he said in a radio interview.
The construction of the terminal, which is touted as among the biggest and most modern in Mindanao, started in Dec. 2015 through a loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines.
It adopted the “green” concept in terms of architecture and facilities, specifically the use of natural ventilation, natural lighting (skylight) and energy-efficient light-emitting diode or LED lights.
The facility would provide adequate green open spaces and the design would ensure the preservation and integration of the land’s existing natural water bodies and features. (MindaNews)
