Various land, air, and sea transport infrastructure projects in the Davao region have either been finished or taken into high gear, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Wednesday, June 2.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said they are now at the "forefront of building and developing transport infrastructure projects in Mindanao" that would provide connectivity, mobility, and long-term comfort and convenience to the people.
He disclosed that various improvement works have been completed at the Davao International Airport. This includes the construction of covered walkway, concrete topping of roof deck, waterproofing of selected areas, provision of covered pathway, repair of facilities, and the upgrading of comfort rooms and pre-departure areas.
The rehabilitation and expansion of the airport’s passenger terminal building (PTB) and construction of parallel taxiway are underway.
The Davao International Airport, the busiest airport in Mindanao, is currently accommodating three to four million passengers every year.
“We have also completed two airport development projects in Davao Oriental, which include the construction of perimeter fence, rehabilitation of PTB, and an ongoing site acquisition in Mati Airport. The rehabilitated Mati Airport serves travelers to and from the province," Tugade said.
Also in the pipeline are seaport projects that aim to improve the maritime transport sector in the Davao region.
“The DOTr and PPA (Philippine Ports Authority) have completed three social tourism port projects at the Port of Kaputian and Sta. Cruz Port in Davao del Norte, which include port expansion," the secretary said.
Another two commercial port projects at the Port of Babak, Davao del Norte involved the construction and reconstruction of the port operations building and RORO ramp.
He further said that four commercial port projects were completed at the Port of Malalag and Port of Davao in Davao del Sur, while a social tourism port project was completed at the Port of Lupon in Davao Oriental.
Meanwhile, the DOTr and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board are pushing for the Davao High Priority Bus System (DHPBS)— a more efficient, modern, and affordable mode of public transport for Davaoeños. It is slated for full operations by 2023.
“Another game-changing project in this region is the Mindanao Railway Project, which is now undergoing the process of right of way acquisition and is awaiting shortlist of companies for the Design and Build Contract," Tugade said.
Once operational, the Mindanao Railway Project Tagum-Davao-Digos (MRP-TDD) segment will reduce travel time from Tagum, Davao del Norte to Digos, Davao del Sur from the usual 3.5 hours to just 1.3 hours. It can accommodate 122,000 passengers per day.