Passenger assault at bus station is under investigation
Davao City Braces for Kadayawan Festival Passenger Surge
The Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) is gearing up for a significant increase in passengers during this year's Kadayawan Festival, anticipating a 20 to 30 percent rise in daily passengers. This equates to an additional 40,000 to 45,000 passengers daily or about 900 to 1,000 extra bus trips per day.
This surge is primarily due to the influx of visitors coming to experience the vibrant festival. To accommodate the higher demand, DCOTT has coordinated with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to issue special permits for supplementary buses.
However, this increased passenger flow during Kadayawan differs from other peak travel periods like Holy Week or All Saints' Day, as the flow varies depending on activities organised by neighbouring municipalities and provinces.
DCOTT Terminal Manager Aisa Usop emphasised the strict implementation of the "no pick-up" policy, ensuring that buses do not pick up passengers outside the terminal to maintain safety and traffic flow. To further ensure safety within the terminal, DCOTT staff will work alongside the Civil Security Unit (CSU).
Security measures have been expanded citywide to ensure safety and security in all locations during the Kadayawan festival. Over 7,000 police officers and 14,000 safety personnel will be deployed in Davao City to ensure a secure environment for all festival-goers.
Vice President Sara Duterte is scheduled to attend various events during the Kadayawan Festival, including the Misa Pasalamat and the opening of the Kadayawan sa Kadayawan Tribal Village at Magsaysay Park. The number of daily bus trips may increase from the current 700 to 800 to as many as 1,000 to 1,500 during Kadayawan 2024.
Usop made these announcements during a Davao Peace and Security Press Corps briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. Many operators have requested permits to meet the demand, which may cause congestion during the Kadayawan festival. The Kadayawan Festival will take place from August 7 to August 17, 2024.
Some of the scheduled events for the Kadayawan Festival include the Hiyas sa Kadayawan cultural presentation, Pananam sa Kadayawan food fair, Bantawan Cultural Celebration, Kasikas sa Kadayawan, Kadayawan Expo & Food Trucks Bazaar, Hiyas sa Kadayawan Grand Coronation Night, special non-working holiday for Kadayawan and Indigenous Peoples Day, Dula Kadayawan, Konsierto Kadayawan, Pamulak ug Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan grand parade, and Kadayawan Pasasalamat.
[1] Based on current daily passenger range of 35,000 to 40,000.
The increase in passenger flow during the Kadayawan Festival is not only limited to DCOTT, as the transportation industry anticipates a significant rise in demand for all modes of transport. Finance experts predict a substantial increase in spending during this period, contributing to the regional economy.
Given the surge in festival-goers and the need for seamless transportation, Davao City has collaborated with the finance and transportation industries to ensure adequate financial and logistical support for the Kadayawan Festival.
