A dry-run is currently underway for the new Simplicio A. Palanca Seaport Terminal at the Bacolod Real Estate Development Corporation (Bredco) Port. The terminal, which has a seating capacity of 2,500, was previously used primarily for Manila-bound passengers but is now open for fastcraft operators.

Watchmen Daily Journal was provided an exclusive tour of the facility.

The terminal is very much comparable to an airport, featuring a spacious entrance lobby and ticketing booth area.

In terms of security, there is a police assistance desk on premises, along with an x-ray machine capable of detecting contraband or firearms hidden in bags. The terminal currently only has one machine but a second one has already been ordered and will be installed soon.

The waiting area is equipped with centralized air conditioning, along with food stalls offering various treats for waiting passengers.

There is also a clinic and a breastfeeding section for nursing mothers.

Plans are currently in the works to add shops, convenience stores, and a lounge for business or leisure travelers.

Among other improvements, boarding passengers will no longer have to endure the heat or rain while queuing as pathways are now covered.

The facility also has a one-megawatt generator on standby in case of power outages.

Bredco officials stated, the generator is capable of powering a small barangay.

In a follow-up interview, terminal officer-in-charge Romeo Casela said the new facility was opened up to Iloilo-bound passengers after receiving complaints about the old terminal, claiming it was “poorly maintained” and needed a functioning air conditioning system.

He said the dry-run was timed with the peak Christmas travel season as a way of identifying other points of improvement; adding, they are also planning to add more signage to make it easier for passengers to identify their boarding gate.

During the tour, Watchmen Daily Journal also asked Bredco officials about the large open space in the jetty area, which they said would be used for future terminal expansion.

They added, a study is currently underway looking into the possibility of a separate terminal for Roll-on/Roll-off vessels, which would offer similar amenities and facilities as the new terminal.

The Simplicio A. Palanca Seaport Terminal is expected to become fully operational by next month./DGB, WDJ