DAVAO City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) is gearing up for the expected influx of tourists for the upcoming Holy Week on April 14-19.
“Isa gyud na sa atong gipangandaman pirme kay nagadagsa gyud ang mga pasahero nato ana,” DCOTT manager Aisa Usop said in an interview with Madayaw Davao on Monday.
Usop said part of the preparations is the newly turned over X-ray baggage machine at the passenger entrance.
With a capacity of around 200 kilograms, the machine can detect both organic and inorganic materials, including prohibited items like sharp objects, firearms, and ammunition.
The baggage machine is placed beside the two existing walk-through machines, which will help manage the long queue during peak periods.
Usop said the terminal is also preparing to open Gate 7 for passengers with less baggage, including pregnant women, PWDs, and senior citizens.
She added that security guards and team leaders met with Task Force Davao to craft an organized security plan. The official stressed that apart from the usual measures, they are strengthening the CCTV monitoring force to prevent pickpockets.
She cited the case where five pickpockets were reported in a week, and they allegedly belonged to an organized group.
On the other hand, bus operators are urged to secure a special permit to operate beyond their usual hours to cater to the influx.
Average bus trips daily range from 700 to 800 on regular days, which increase from 1,000 to 1,500 in peak periods, servicing 50,000-80,000 passengers.
