The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has emphasized that the agency's goal under the Marcos administration is to innovate, adapt, and address emerging transport issues, to support employers and enable job creation.
Undersecretary Planning and Project Development Timothy John Batan made the announcement at the 43rd National Conference of Employers hosted by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) Wednesday, August 24, 2022.
“When we invest in infrastructure, we create jobs," he pointed out. "The projects we build also translate to increased labor productivity. The momentum is there, spurred by the last administration’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ initiative. And we aspire to Build Better, Build More.”
Usec. Batan presented the agency's game changing projects for the transport sector before corporate executives, top government officials and labor industry experts.
For railways, these include the Metro Manila Subway, North-South Commuter Railway System (NSCR), Common Station, MRT-7, and LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project.
He also discussed the plans to continuously improve the capacity and capability of the country’s existing airports and build new gateways.
For the maritime sector, Usec. Batan emphasized the thrust of the DOTr and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), to finish the ongoing port projects coast-to-coast.
He cited the Pasig River Ferry System, Sorsogon RoRo Terminal Port, and the New Cebu International Container Port Project, and the Maritime Safety Enhancement Project for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
For the road sector, Usec. Batan highlighted the DOTr’s initiatives to provide commuter assistance, such as the Libreng Sakay under the Service Contracting Program.
In addition, he mentioned the EDSA Greenways, EDSA Busway, Cebu Bus Rapid Transit, and PUV Modernization.
“This is how we are shaping the country’s transportation landscape— by providing accessible, affordable, comfortable, and safe public transport, we are uplifting the lives of the Filipino people,” he concluded.