DOTr to fast track ‘Build, Better More’ projects
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) will fast-track the completion of big-ticket transportation infrastructure projects throughout the country upon the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Secretary Bautista said Monday.
Presenting before reporters the DOTr’s projects in the next six years at the Economic Journalists’ Association of the Philippines (EJAP), Secretary Bautista assured that the agency is “pushing the pedal to the metal” in realizing projects in the road, aviation, railway, and maritime sectors to ensure equitable progress for every Filipino.
“As we Build Better More, we aim to reduce travel costs, create domestic trade opportunities, unlock the economic potential of the regions through investments and business stimulation, and facilitate the exchange of goods by integrating them into the local, regional, or global value chains,” Bautista stressed.
With a vibrant and modern transport system, Filipinos’ productivity and efficiency will increase, he added.
Bautista touted the agency’s milestones in the first 100 days of the Marcos administration, including the coordination efforts with transport stakeholders to ensure the smooth transition of the face-to-face classes, opening of additional routes for public utility vehicles (PUVs), provision of “Libreng Sakay” at the LRT-2.
As far as the rail sector is concerned, Bautista tackled the headway made by the agency, such as the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ortigas and Shaw Blvd. Stations of the Metro Manila Subway and the contract signing for the last segment of the 147-kilometer-long North-South Commuter Railway.
Other big-ticket railway projects will also continue under the Build Better More initiative, including the Common Station, MRT-7 project, and LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project.
The DOTr likewise is addressing both the air and maritime connectivity needs of Filipinos by continuing to build more airports and seaports, and modernizing existing ones, according to Bautista.
Bautista noted the “game-changing” New Manila International Airport in Bulacan, the recently-opened passenger terminal building (PTB) of the Clark International Airport in Clark, Pampanga, and the development of the Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA) in Cavite.
He said that the DOTr will also tap the Pasig River Ferry System as an alternative and convenient corridor for commuters.
The transport chief also assured that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will continue with its modernization and reinforce its capability to ensure the country’s maritime safety and security through the Maritime Safety Enhancement Project (MSEP).
