Yanson Group unit expands transport infrastructure in Mindanao

CEBU, Philippines — Mindanao Star Bus Transit Inc. (MSBTI) has reaffirmed its commitment to driving economic growth in Central Mindanao through the expansion of its transportation infrastructure, aimed at enhancing passenger mobility and ensuring the efficient transfer of agricultural products.

“Mindanao Star Bus remains dedicated to fostering and sustaining social and economic activities in the region by providing safe, reliable, and affordable public transportation,” said Leo Rey Yanson, the newly re-elected chairman and president of MSBTI. Yanson made the statement during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting held on January 18, 2025.

Central Mindanao, also known as SOCCSARGEN (Region XII), comprises South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato, and Sarangani provinces, along with General Santos City. The region plays a crucial role in the country’s economy as the Philippines’ top tuna producer, contributing 80 percent of the national output.

MSBTI currently operates major transport routes across SOCCSARGEN, ensuring accessibility and connectivity for residents and businesses alike. “Our strategic focus is on boosting economic development by improving transportation networks and enhancing mobility for the Filipino public,” Yanson said.

He further emphasized the company’s optimism about expanding transport services to bolster the agriculture and tourism sectors in Central Mindanao.

Expansion initiatives are also in the pipeline for the Visayas region, particularly in Cebu, to provide enhanced transportation services for students, business professionals, and the general public.

During the stockholders’ meeting, the MSBTI board re-elected its key members, including Olivia V. Yanson, Leo Rey Yanson, Ginnette Y. Dumancas, Charles Dumancas, Arvin John Villaruel, and Rey Ardo. In the subsequent organizational meeting, Leo Rey Yanson was re-appointed as chairman and president, while Olivia V. Yanson retained her roles as corporate secretary and treasurer.

In a related development, Bachelor Express Inc. (BEI), another key transport operator under the Yanson Group, held its stockholders’ meeting on January 19, 2025. BEI stockholders re-elected Olivia V. Yanson, Leo Rey Yanson, Ginnette Dumancas, Charles Dumancas, Arvin John Villaruel, Rey Ardo, Anita Chua, Daniel Nicolas Golez, Danny Lorenton, Hernan Omecillo, and Alfredo Ligo Jr. to the board. Following the elections, Leo Rey Yanson was re-appointed as president and CEO, while Olivia V. Yanson retained her position as treasurer and corporate secretary.

MSBTI and BEI are both subsidiaries of the Yanson Group of Bus Companies, one of Southeast Asia’s largest transport conglomerates. The group provides direct employment to over 18,000 workers across the country and operates a vast network of buses across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Founded in 1968, the Yanson Group’s extensive transport network includes 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.