Travelers have begun flocking to the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) as they head to their provinces for the holidays on Monday, December 22, 2025.

According to the DCOTT management, the increase in the number of passengers began as early as Friday, December 19. Passenger arrivals are expected to increase as Christmas draws nearer.

All baggage entering the terminal is being passed through baggage scanners to prevent prohibited items from being brought inside.

To ease congestion at the passenger entrance, DCOTT management has also opened the employees’ entrance gate for passengers carrying only small items, which would then undergo manual inspection.

“Naay time nga grabe kadaghan sa mga pasahero, then murag muhunong napud. So, mao na nga ginaapribahan nalang gyud nato ang ayong employees gate para dili matanggong ang commuters nato,” DCOTT Manager, Aisa Usop, said.

According to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Davao (LTFRB-11), several bus companies have been granted special permits to ensure sufficient bus units are available for passengers during the Christmas and New Year season.

DCOTT management also reminded passengers to avoid bringing bulky items and to check bus schedules ahead of time for their respective destinations.