Yanson Group expands to drive growth in southern Philippines

CEBU, Philippines — Inland transport giant Yanson Group of Bus Companies (YGBC) is reinforcing its commitment to drive economic growth, particularly in Southern Philippines, with plans to expand and enhance its reliable public transport services across the nation.

Rey Yanson, chairman and president of Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI), an affiliate of YGBC and operator of the iconic Ceres Transport, reaffirmed this commitment during the company’s recent stockholders’ meeting on December 7, 2024.

“Our focus remains on fostering economic development by improving mobility and transportation access for the Filipino public,” Yanson emphasized, adding that the company is bullish about expanding public transport mobility in Central Mindanao to support the region’s agriculture and tourism sectors.

Similar plans are underway for the Visayas, including Cebu, to enhance transportation options for students, business professionals, and the general public.

The meeting was presided over by YGBC matriarch Olivia Yanson, co-founder and court-appointed special administrator of her late husband Ricardo B. Yanson Sr.’s estate.

Olivia, who has held the administrator role since 2021, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to reliable service and innovation in the transport sector.

During the annual meeting, held at the YGBC headquarters in Bacolod City, Olivia and her children Leo Rey, Ginnette Dumancas, Charles Dumancas, Anita Chua, Arvin John Villaruel, and Daniel Nicolas Golez were re-elected to the board of directors. Following the meeting, the board re-appointed Leo Rey as VTI’s chairman and president and Olivia as corporate secretary and treasurer.

The Yanson Group, founded in 1968, operates a vast fleet of buses across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, employing over 18,000 workers nationwide. Its subsidiaries include Ceres Liner Travel and Tours Inc., Ceres Transport Inc., Mindanao Star Bus Transport Inc., Bachelor Express Inc., Southern Star Bus Transport Inc., Gold Star Bus Transit Inc., and Rural Transit (Mindanao) Inc.

Industry forecasts show promising growth for public transportation in the Philippines. According to Statista, the sector is expected to generate revenue of $0.83 billion in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 3.80 percent, reaching $1 billion by 2029.

The number of users is also projected to rise to 86.11 million by 2029, underscoring the critical role of reliable transport operators like YGBC in meeting growing demand.

By prioritizing accessibility, innovation, and sustainability, the Yanson Group is poised to remain one of the largest public transport operators in the country, connecting communities and supporting economic progress throughout the Philippines. — (FREEMAN)