PPA Ready to Open P13-M ‘Travelers Hub’

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is set to inaugurate the newly-constructed PHP13 million passenger terminal building at the local port.

The terminal building, dubbed the “Travelers’ Hub“, will be inaugurated on July 17, according to PPA-Zamboanga Manager Liberto dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa said on Monday that the Travelers’ Hub is equipped with the needed facilities such as the X-ray scanner machine, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, internet connection, public address system, air condition units, prayer room, fountain, play area, and chairs.

The Travelers Hub is equipped with X-Ray, air-conditioning units, chairs, public address system, WiFi, prayer room, water fountain, play area, and CCTV. This new terminal will be manned by 10 PPA personnel.

He said the Travelers’ Hub will be jointly manned by PPA and Bureau of Immigration personnel since it will cater to passengers traveling from this city to Malaysia via the city of Sandakan in Sabah.

He also said that by July 15, the Bureau of Immigration will already be present in the new passenger terminal building.

“Matagal na natin plano yan na kailangan separate ang domestic and foreign passengers at kailangan din nila dumaan ng immigration. Sinusunod natin yung standard operation ng passenger terminal just like sa airport separate ang international and ang domestic passengers,” dela Rosa said.

It took time before the passenger terminal to be operational due to the funding and the arrival of amenities such as the chairs, air conditioners, and x-ray machine.

The construction of the PHP13 million worth Travelers Hub started last March 19, 2014 and finished last year. The construction of the building was handled by Al-Raf Construction while the RR&B construction handled then site development.

Travelers Hub can accommodate an average of 400 passengers at one time.

“The use of the new Travelers’ Hub will provide convenience to passengers traveling to and from Sandakan since it has complete amenities,” Dela Rosa said.

“Magagamit na natin yung bagong Traveler Hub magiging convinient na para sa pasahero papuntang Sandakan at galing Sandakan at ito ay may complete amenities,” Dela Rosa said.

He said the Passenger Terminal 1 will be solely utilized by the domestic passengers once the Travelers’ Hub is operational.