Davao City readies measures for Undas 2018

DAVAO CITY -- The chief of the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) is ready for next week’s observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day when passengers rush to the provinces.

Aisa Usop, manager of the DCOTT, on Friday assured travelers of their safety and security at the terminal with the help of Task Force Davao and the Davao City Police Office.

Usop said the passengers' welfare remains the priority during the two-day holiday when people return to their hometowns to visit the graves of their loved ones.

“Aside from our men in uniform stationed in the terminal, our walk-through machines and CCTV cameras are fully functional and are connected to the Public Safety and Security Command Center,” she said.

Usop said she expects an increase in passenger traffic by 40 percent next week.

“We get an average of 750 to 800 bus trips on a daily basis, while during our peak seasons, we reach up to 1,200 trips due to the increase in passengers,” she said.

Aside from security, the Land Transportation Office and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board 11 (Davao) will conduct inspections to ensure buses are safe to travel and documents such as franchise and drivers’ licenses are in order.

Usop also appealed to the public to be more patient and to cooperate with authorities.

“This is for the safety and security of us all,” she said.

Usop said that commuters are free to address complaints and comments with their administration division located inside the DCOTT. (Jecia Anne Opiana/PNA)