Passenger volume at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) has begun to rise on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as travelers head to their home provinces and vacation sites for the Holy Week.

Authorities have heightened security measures at the terminal. Baggage is being checked though X-ray scanners while personnel from the Task Force Davao and the Davao City Police Office are monitoring the area.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) also conducted inspections on bus units to ensure compliance with safety standards. Among those being checked are tires and wipers to guarantee roadworthiness.

According to DCOTT management, the terminal usually records around 700 to 800 bus trips and more than 75,000 passengers on regular days. However, a higher volume is expected during the Holy Week exodus.

“Kaning mga gamay nato nga operators dili sila mobyahe sa Holy Thursday and Good Friday but those big companies like the Rural the Bachelor the Mindanao Star mobyahe sila sa Thursday and Friday but mag-depende pud sa gidaghanon sa pasahero,” DCOTT Manager, Aisa Yusop, said.

The Davao City Social Welfare and Development Office is also strictly verifying minors traveling with companions, requiring proper travel permits.

“We have this route going to Luzon and Visayas in fact naa tay mamatikdan lagi nga mga minor nga naga-travel so we really requested that also in partnership sa VAWC mao na siya nga atoang gi-implement gyud pud diha for the safety sa atong minors,” Yusop added.

FARE

Meanwhile, a fare increase is being implemented at the KM 11 Sasa Wharf for passengers traveling to Samal Island.

Effective March 30, 2026, the regular fare rose to P24 from P20, while senior citizens’ fare increased from P16 to P19, and children’s fare from P10 to P16.

Some vessels reportedly did not operate to cut fuel costs.

“Sa walo ka unit ang isa naka dock ang nagdagan karon lima, para maka-kuan mi ba maka-save gamay sa expenses sa krudo,” KM 11 Sasa Pier Operations in-Charge, Christian Chavez, said.

MAEWESS has already implemented a fare increase while DAVSAM is also set to impose a 20 percent fare hike starting Saturday, April 4, 2026.

“Naa namay reply ang MARINA so siguro by Saturday, April 4 amoa ng ipatuman ang increase,” DAVSAM In-Charge, Arche Dumayas, said.