DAVAO CITY — The Davao City government is strengthening its commitment to green public transport with a P200‑million allocation to procure 20 additional electric buses for the Davao Interim Bus Service. The funding, part of the proposed P1.25‑billion Supplemental Budget No. 1 for fiscal year 2026, was announced by Committee on Finance Chairman Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang during the Pulong‑Pulong sa Dabawenyos on May 26.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte ordered the expansion of the DC Bus fleet to serve the city's growing population, now estimated at two million residents. "Our population is two million, so therefore, I think the mayor decided to purchase an additional 20 buses to aid the commuters in their regular travel from one place to another," Dayanghirang said. The allocation will undergo public bidding, with the digitization component sourced from the same fund.
A Smarter, Greener Commute
A key feature of the expansion is the planned digitization of the interim bus system. The city will develop a platform providing real‑time bus locations to commuters, reducing wait times and improving travel efficiency. The city is also eyeing the establishment of its own electric charging centers for the buses, creating the necessary infrastructure for a sustainable fleet.
Under the development fund of the City Engineer's Office, P54.7 million has been allocated for the construction of a DC Interim Bus Service depot. The facility, which will include drainage systems and land improvements, will be built along the Davao City Coastal Road. The investment in dedicated infrastructure underscores the city's long‑term commitment to modernizing its public transport network.
A Supplemental Budget Focused on Social Services
The P200‑million bus procurement is part of a broader P1.25‑billion supplemental budget approved on second reading by the City Council on May 26. Of the total amount, P811.37 million came from surplus operations in calendar year 2025, while P442.16 million came from reversions of prior years' appropriations. The General Fund Proper received the largest share at P891.65 million.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office obtained P336.68 million to support senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities. Other infrastructure allocations include P15 million for urban greening and cooling, P34 million for a landslide mitigation structure at the existing landfill, and P21 million for road concreting with drainage in Barangay Mandug. The comprehensive budget reflects a city balancing economic growth with social equity.
