V-hire terminal moved to pave for Devotee City

The vans-for-hire that were stationed near the Compania Maritima building, as shown in this August 5, 2015 file photo, were transferred to another location for the duration of the Sinulog. (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)

THE area near the old Compania Maritima building in Cebu City that was used as terminal by vans-for-hire (V-hires) had been cleared for the Devotee City that will house the faithful during Sinulog.

The V-hires, which had transferred to the area after the closure of the One Citilink terminal, were temporarily relocated at the back of the Senior Citizens Park.

“Everything is in place and in order, including tents, tables, chairs, portalletes, among other facilities,” Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) executive director Rey Gealon said.

CCTO facilitated the transfer of the temporary V-hire terminal starting January 1.

As of yesterday, the area has been vacated. City Administrator Lucelle Mercado said the container vans will be set up today.

The Devotee City’s container vans provide temporary shelter to devotees from far-flung areas of the provinces as well as for those from neighboring provinces who visit Cebu City to attend the Novena Masses and other activities of the Sinulog.

It will run until a few days after Sinulog. Mercado said City Hall transferred some of the V-hires while the rest remain near City Hall.

She said the management of SM Seaside City offered to house the V-hires in a terminal they will build in their property in the South Road Properties (SRP).

“They (SM) offered a terminal. They are still processing the requirements. As of now, they still don’t have a public toilet,” she said.