General santos: Several public utility buses (PUBs) now operate between General Santos Airport (GSA) and the Davao International Airport (DVO) to help address flight cancellations to and from GSA due to damage sustained in a recent earthquake. In a statement on Thursday, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said this is in compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s order to provide transportation for passengers affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit the region on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lopez emphasized the need for proper transportation options for passengers traveling to General Santos after their flights were rerouted to Davao. He ordered the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to issue special permits to PUBs that will operate on the DVO-GSA-DVO route.

The transportation initiative prioritizes the safety and convenience of affected passengers. There are six trips from Davao to General Santos daily, running from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and six trips from General Santos to Davao, beginning at 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. The regular fare for the route is PHP393.75, with discounted rates of PHP315 for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

The bus route is currently set to operate for one week, though it may be expanded based on commuter needs.