Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez has ordered the fast-tracking of the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP) or “DavaoBus” to benefit Davao commuters at the earliest time possible.
Secretary Lopez stressed the need to stay on course with the project’s time for partial operation by the fourth quarter of 2027. Part of the project is the construction of the terminal, depot, bus stops and driving school.
“I will not accept anymore delays. If there are issues, let us resolve the issues to finish this project,” he said as he ordered a non-stop catch-up plan, 24/7 construction works, to make up for the two month-delay in the construction of the Calinan Driving School project.
At the same time, Lopez ordered the project contractor to secure all permits and compliances as well as observe the labor laws for the construction workers.
The DOTr is also assisting the local government of Davao to speed up the acquisition of right-of-way for the DavaoBus project.
Davao City Social Development Program (SDP) Head and City Engineer’s Office OIC Atty. JL Esparcia also said the local government is cooperating, especially in the issuance of permits.
“We are also committed on our part on the institutional requirements for the project, so we can fast-track the project. We will cooperate with the DOTr on what is required from the city,” said OIC Esparcia.
Once operational, the 672 kilometer-DPTMP will benefit 800,000 daily commuters. DPTMP is expected to operate 386 electric buses, 531 regular buses, and 188 mini buses.
The DOTr chief said that once completed, DavaoBus will become the model project of other similar projects in other provinces.
“We want this DPTMP to be the template for other cities and we are quite confident that it can work here in Davao,” said Lopez during his inspection of the Calinan depot and driving school on February 26, 2027.
The transport chief was accompanied Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairman Leo Tereso Magno, Transportation Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor and other DOTr officials.
