The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Davao (LTFRB-11) has issued 35 special permits to ensure enough buses are available to accommodate the expected surge of travelers.

Two days before Christmas, long lines of passengers were seen at the entrance of the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) dawn on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

Authorities deployed two baggage X-ray scanners to speed up the inspection of passengers’ belongings.

A further increase in passenger volume is expected on Christmas Eve, which is a non-working day.

LTFRB-11 released special permits to ensure that buses are available, especially on routes identified previously to have high passenger demand.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard Station Davao is monitoring sea travel closely, particularly trips to Samal Island, a known popular holiday destination.

Up to 84 Coast Guard personnel were deployed across Davao City.

Authorities already recorded at least 12,431 outbound passengers and 9,520 inbound passengers from December 20 to 21, 2025.

“Ang Coast Guard Station Davao deployed a total of 84 personnel across Davao City. Sa influx of passenger natin from Dec. 20 to Dec. 22, meron tayong naitala na for outbound 12,431 and for the inbound is 9,520,” Coast Guard Sub-Station Sta. Ana Commander, Ensign Patrick Joshua Domingo, said.

An increase in island-hopping activities to Talicud Island is also expected.

Around 30 to 40 motor bancas are being used daily for island-hopping.

“Upon venturing the sea, the Coastguard Station Davao and its sub-station conduct inspection to check the ship documents, the lifesaving equipment,” Domingo added.

Authorities reminded the public to transact only with legitimate and accredited tour operators when joining island-hopping activities.