TRAINING and coordination with Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) operators and drivers under the Davao Bus Project are still ongoing, according to an official from the City Government of Davao.
Lawyer Tristan Dwight Domingo, acting city administrator and Davao City Bus Project manager, said they have prepared a two-day training program for PUJ drivers and operators.
He also bared that those who signify their intent to comply with the requirements will be given financial assistance and skills development once the project is implemented.
“Gi-train na nato na sila og financial literacy, unsa ang mga pwede nila na mga opportunities under the project (We’ve already trained them in financial literacy, and what opportunities can they access under the project),” he said in a radio interview on Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDCR) on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
Domingo added that through the seminar, operators and drivers would learn about various support options available to them, such as a college scholarship for their children. They can also opt for their family members or themselves to be trained as bus drivers or mechanics through Tesda, with the training subsidized by the government.
He emphasized that the training aims to help PUJ drivers transition into the workforce that will support the bus project.
Domingo also said they will be hiring Tesda NC III-certified personnel for bus driving, automotive mechanics, and administrative roles related to the fleet management system.
However, he acknowledged that progress has been slow due to challenges in procuring the national budget and resolving issues with landowners for bus depots, terminals, and stops.
To recall, the Department of Transportation-Project Office for Davao (DOTr-Davao) confirmed on January 28, 2025, that the Bus Project continues to move forward, despite an eight-month delay. Funding is already secured, though some documentary requirements are still being processed.
DOTr Project Evaluation Officer Richard Villanueva acknowledged that delays are expected in complex projects like this, adding that several land areas still need to be acquired for terminals, depots, and bus stops.
The delay was partly due to the late approval of the project by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) in 2019. The agency had to revalidate the feasibility study to ensure its relevance before the pandemic.
The project will feature an extensive network of 29 routes covering 672 kilometers of road, connecting key areas within Davao City and extending to Panabo City. At least 1,105 buses will operate along these routes, supported by the construction of more than 1,000 bus stops.
Initially, the bus project was expected to begin operations by the end of 2024 and be fully operational by 2025. RGP
