The City Council of Davao has approved on second reading on Tuesday a P1,253,541,058.86 supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2026, covering the General Fund Proper, Development Fund, and Economic Enterprises, with major allocations for transport modernization, social services, and landfill mitigation measures in Barangay New Carmen, Tugbok District.
Among the highlights of the measure are P34 million for landslide mitigation and structural works at the existing landfill, and P200 million for the procurement of additional buses for the Davao Interim Bus Service.
Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chairperson of the Committee on Finance, Ways, and Means, said most of the funding priorities fall under the Executive Department, particularly transport modernization and social services programs.
He said the city’s priority includes the development of the bus system and supporting infrastructure such as traffic management equipment.
“Ang first didto sa ila, number one, is very important, kaning bus system. Tapos kani, pagpalit og, dakong towing truck nga kaya moguyod og 10-wheelers nga naa sa Traffic Management Office,” he said during the Pulong Pulong sa Dabawenyos media forum.
Dayanghirang explained that the towing truck is intended to address traffic hazards caused by improperly parked or stalled heavy vehicles.
“Makita ninyo daghan kaayong mga truck diha sa karsada nagparking lang, usahay ang driver masulod didto sa ilalom, usahay daghan nang nadiskrasya ug namatay ana. Now, karon, we have to remove it, and we need an equipment,” he said.
He added that towing costs will be shouldered by vehicle owners.
“Unsa kadistansya ang ilang kuhaan ug asa ihatod, the owner of the truck has to pay. They have to, going to pay,” he said.
The councilor also cited planned digital upgrades for the bus system to improve route monitoring and operations.
“The other one, itong buses, merong development sa digital para malaman kung saan magpunta,” he said.
Dayanghirang said a significant portion of the budget also goes to social services, including assistance for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and single parents.
“So, the highest, of course, the Executive Department. And in that department is social services, kaning mga support sa mga senior citizen, sa person with- single parent, person with disability,” he said.
He confirmed that P34 million has been allocated for landfill-related mitigation works following recent incidents in Barangay New Carmen.
Dayanghirang said the allocation may be sourced from calamity funds and infrastructure appropriations, and stressed that the incident should be viewed as isolated.
The councilor said increasing population and waste generation continue to pose challenges for the city.
He added that waste management remains a key concern for city officials, noting that the city produces large volumes of garbage daily.
“The only impact is, of course, ang basura because there are 2 million people throwing garbage everyday,” he said.
Dayanghirang said the city government is actively exploring alternative waste management solutions through ongoing discussions led by the mayor’s office and concerned agencies.
