PASSENGER volume at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) is expected to soar to over 80,000 during the Kadayawan Festival this August 2025, according to terminal manager Aisa Usop.
Usop said this is a significant jump from the usual daily average of 35,000 to 50,000 passengers. To accommodate the increase, the number of bus trips is projected to rise from the regular 700 to as many as 1,000 trips during the festival period.
“We are expecting 80,000 passengers or more than 80,000 that is equivalent also sa atoang buses if we have 700 to 800 bus trips, which is equivalent to 1,000 or more than that,” Usop said during the ISpeak media forum on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the City Mayor’s Office (CMO).
To prepare for the surge, Dcott will coordinate with key agencies, including the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Southern Mindanao Bus Operators Association (SMBOA) in case of a bus shortage.
Security measures are also in place, with the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) and the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) ensuring peace and order at the terminal during peak days of the festival.
To assist passengers, the terminal has recorded announcements outlining policies and guidelines.
Kadayawan Festival is Davao City’s grandest annual celebration, honoring the city’s rich cultural heritage and giving thanks for a bountiful harvest.
Highlights of the event include the Floral Float Parade, Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan, Hiyas sa Kadayawan, and various trade fairs and exhibits. RGP