Our Story

The Coda Lines Corporation is a bus operating company that was cultivated from the humble beginnings of the Codamon Family. On January 30, 1961, the patriarch, Herbert “Bet” Codamon was born in Kiangan, Ifugao from an impoverished family. Growing up, his parents never had enough to provide for him and his other eight siblings. Hence, he had no choice but to look for a job at a young age.

Mr. Codamon started working as a jeepney conductor when he was 10 years old. He would also polish the shoes and wash the clothes of the drivers to earn extra money. He would even spend time sweeping the floor and washing the buses of the Guinid Express Bus and the Dangwa Tranco.

In 1980,He was able to earn and save enough money to build a small business of his own. He entered the wholesale fruit and vegetable industry and started delivering fresh produce from Kiangan to Baguio City, and Mountain Province. This was during a time when roads in Northern Luzon were not yet paved and were in poor condition. However, Mr. Codamon was able to overcome these challenges and make ends meet for him and his family.

Shortly after, he met Risley Abeya Camtugan, the fifth child of the owners of the RC Trans—a transportation business plying the Sagada-Tabuk City route. After years of courtship, Herbert and Risley tied the knot. Now building a family of his own, Herbert learned the art of engine troubleshooting and vehicle bodybuilding in order to provide more for his wife and children. In 1988, Herbert opened the Kiangan Motor Shop assembling jeepneys and Ford Fieras and some are still seen being used in Sagada, Mt. Province. In addition, Herbert also worked as both a driver and mechanic while helping Risley with managing the business. 

Rising from the Rubble

In July 1990, a strong earthquake struck Luzon, killing thousands of people, destroying numerous infrastructures, and hampering business operations. Cordillera Administrative Region, the leading vegetable producer in the Philippines, was among the areas that were hit the hardest. Kiangan was not an exception—many of its farmlands and produce were destroyed. Hence, the Codamons were left looking for other places where they can get supplies for their wholesaling business.

These challenges did not hinder them to persevere, instead, they were able to make their livelihood even stronger. They started purchasing vegetables grown in Cagayan Valley, and transported them to Manila through the circuitous highways of Ilocos Region and towards Central Luzon.

Through hard work, the Codamons were finally able to purchase three units of bus and establish the Kiangan Motor Services (KMS) Lines in 1996.

Success in the Making

The years went well when the company gained the chance to acquire more franchises and units, adding more trips to their routes.

KMS Lines launched their Banaue-Baguio trips after acquiring that available franchise, it gave the company a head start in gaining all the commuters from the Baguio-Kiangan and Baguio-Banaue routes.

Following the company’s success in the Ifugao province,they have obtained more franchises serving the Baguio-Quirino Province route. This  opened an opportunity for KMS Lines to expand and serve in Quirino Province.

After years of establishing the company as a prime bus line corporation, Herbert and Risley Codamon had retired. Having faith in their ability to run the business, they decided to turn the management over to their children. Thus, the company is now a corporation with shares divided to their five daughters and each of them has become a managing partner and Gian Kyla is currently serving as the company president.

In 2015,the company launched its Manila-Sagada trips, providing better and safer journey to the famed towns of Mountain Province and Ifugao. Hence, we are looking forward to reaching out to work better to boost Coda Lines as well as the tourism in our country, since our routes connect to the most visited and known tourist spots such as the Banaue Rice Terraces, Sagada, Mt. Province, Tinglayan, Kalinga, as well as the neighboring municipalities and provinces.

Bridging the Distance

Operating for almost two decades in public transport, the Coda Lines Corporation has grown to a significant company that carries thousands of passengers all over Luzon every year. Today, the Coda Lines Corporation proves to be one of the few bus companies that cater beyond satisfaction.

Up to now, Coda Lines is known for being a friendly company to their employees, everyone who comes and forms part of the company is a member of the family already, they carry out the values of a fruitful and happy family to their business. As what their father says,” Treat one as a family, they will treat you back as a brother.” Their loyalty towards the company has been significant as they trust them back to how they work for them, hand in hand, achieving their mission and goals.