DAVAO CITY — Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte has proposed the purchase of additional buses to improve public transportation services for the city's two million residents. The proposal was discussed during a committee hearing on Thursday, May 21, attended by members of the local finance committee and department heads. The City Council is expected to approve the supplemental budget on Tuesday, May 26.
City Councilor Danny Dayanghirang, chairman of the Committee on Finance and Appropriations, confirmed the proposed supplemental budget includes ₱1.3 billion for bus acquisition. "We still lack buses for our commuters," Dayanghirang said. "Also included are social services requirements, education scholarships, and the Davao City College program." He stressed these initiatives align with Mayor Duterte's policy direction.
A Growing City Demands Growing Services
Dayanghirang underscored the sheer scale of demand the local government must meet. "We have two million residents here in Davao City, so the demand for services from the riding public is high, including free education, health, security, and cleanliness," he said. The supplemental budget is designed to address multiple pressing needs simultaneously rather than treating transportation in isolation.
City Councilors Jay Quitain, Ralph Abella, and Radge Ibuyan expressed support for the proposed budget during the committee hearing. Their backing signals broad legislative consensus behind the mayor's proposal. The unified support reflects a shared recognition that public transportation remains one of the city's most urgent challenges.
Bridging the Gap While the National Bus Project Advances
The city's push for additional buses comes as the national Davao Public Transport Modernization Project continues its gradual rollout. The DPTMP envisions more than 1,000 modern buses—both electric and diesel—serving 29 routes across a 672‑kilometer network. When fully implemented, the project will hire approximately 3,000 drivers and construct solar‑powered bus shelters citywide.
However, national funding has fallen short of projected requirements. While the Department of Transportation initially requested ₱14–₱17 billion for 2026, the national budget allocated only about ₱2 billion. The city has responded by operating its own Peak Hours Augmentation Bus Service and deploying 10 buses under the DCBus interim system. The proposed ₱1.3‑billion supplemental allocation represents the city's determination to meet commuter needs now.
