Japan commits to assisting Philippines in improving road transport system in NCR, surrounding regions

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has signed an agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) that would pave the way to further improving the country’s road transport system.

DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said the agreement would allow the department to initiate capacity development to support road-based public transportation systems through route planning, improvement of intermodal facilities, and service level monitoring. 

The focus, he said, is the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon).

“The JICA grant will strengthen road-based public transport capacities and improve inter-modality of transport systems,” said Bautista.

“Our focus with this cooperation project is clear: to improve road transport systems in Metro Manila and surrounding regions,” he added.

Bautista said the JICA assistance includes road projects such as the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), EDSA Busway, Active Transport Program, EDSA Greenways Projects.

Those projects, he said, will promote the use of public transport and help ease traffic in the metropolis. 

For his part, JICA Chief Representative to the Philippines Takema Sakamoto said the agreement also covers the strategic approach to apply JICA’s technical support to the Philippines’ public transportation.