The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that the Davao Public Transport Modernization Program (DPTMP), previously known as the Davao High Priority Bus System, is on track to begin partial operations as early as 2026.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista confirmed that a significant portion of the project is already funded, with plans to secure additional financial support from Congress.
“We have already requested Congress to allocate more funds to support the ongoing works in the project,” Bautista said. “But as far as the project is concerned, it’s a go, and we are on track.”
The DPTMP has garnered backing not only from the national government but also from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Davao City local government. In July 2023, the government signed a USD1.014 billion loan agreement with the ADB to help fund the ambitious project.
Bautista emphasized the DOTr’s commitment to the DPTMP during a recent meeting with project management personnel, assuring them of continued support for its implementation. “We will address the issues by working closely with other offices and agencies. Rest assured that we are here for you, and we will do everything we can to implement this project and complete it by 2027,” he said.
The DPTMP aims to establish a comprehensive bus-based public transport system in Davao City, which is the third-largest city in the Philippines. The initiative will feature modern electric and Euro-5 standard diesel buses across 29 routes along a 672.95-km road network. Key components of the project include standardized operations, reliable timetables, an intelligent transport system, designated bus stops with shelters and lighting, and dedicated bus lanes on select road sections.
As part of the DOTr’s broader efforts to enhance public transportation in the Philippines, the DPTMP is designed to improve passenger experience, reduce air pollutants, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. The system is expected to accommodate approximately 800,000 passengers daily, marking a significant step toward modernizing Davao’s public transport landscape.
