THE RECENT road collapse in Quezon, Bukidnon, is expected to shift passenger traffic away from traditional northern routes at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT), according to Terminal Manager Aisa Usop.
Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security press briefing on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Usop noted that the landslide, which occurred on Oct. 18, may change travel patterns leading up to the holiday season.
“We have noticed that there might not be as many passengers going to CDO [Cagayan de Oro] due to the landslide that happened in Quezon, Bukidnon,” Usop said. “Usually, the majority of our passengers are headed to Cagayan de Oro City. But because of the landslide, our passengers might instead shift to our southbound area and travel to their provinces there.”
Transfer point
Usop explained that travel time for the Davao-to-Cagayan de Oro route remains officially 24 hours, but the key issue lies in the damaged section in Bukidnon, where passengers are forced to transfer vehicles.
This transfer has led to a major complication, she said.
“That is our observation,” Usop continued. “It’s because when they reach that part of Quezon, Bukidnon, our passengers have to transfer. According to our bus staff from Rural [Bus], the passengers will likely go for a hike.”
The DCOTT manager acknowledged the inconvenience of transferring—especially for those carrying heavy baggage—could reduce the number of travelers heading north.
“That is the other side. There is also a possibility that passengers will still flock there because of the young people who still enjoy traveling to that area,” Usop said. “So, I cannot yet predict whether the number of passengers going to Cagayan de Oro City will decrease or increase.”
