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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider Sweden and PH launch grant to elevate public transport standards

Sweden and PH launch grant to elevate public transport standards

Published Feb 9, 2026 01:50 pm
Seated, from left, are Secretary Giovanni Lopez of the Department of Transportation and Ambassador Anna Ferry of the Embassy of Sweden to the Philippines, while standing, from left, are Teodorico Delfin, undersecretary for planning and development of the Department of Transportation; Ramon Reyes, undersecretary for road transport and non-infrastructure of the Department of Transportation; Steve Pastor, undersecretary for road transport and infrastructure of the Department of Transportation; Emil Akander, vice president for Asia Pacific at Business Sweden; and Johan Lennefalk, trade commissioner to the Philippines
Seated, from left, are Secretary Giovanni Lopez of the Department of Transportation and Ambassador Anna Ferry of the Embassy of Sweden to the Philippines, while standing, from left, are Teodorico Delfin, undersecretary for planning and development of the Department of Transportation; Ramon Reyes, undersecretary for road transport and non-infrastructure of the Department of Transportation; Steve Pastor, undersecretary for road transport and infrastructure of the Department of Transportation; Emil Akander, vice president for Asia Pacific at Business Sweden; and Johan Lennefalk, trade commissioner to the Philippines
The Government of Sweden, through its development finance institution Swedfund, and the Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) have signed a grant agreement to strengthen the country’s bus system. The initiative will establish national bus standards designed to improve safety, quality, and inclusivity in urban public transport across the Philippines.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating: "Today’s signing of the agreement between the Philippines and Sweden affirms President Marcos’ goal to move more people through the continued development of Philippine bus standards."
He emphasized that the project reflects the administration’s shift toward a commuter-first approach:"President Marcos has made it clear that we must move away from a car-centric transport model toward a more inclusive, commuter-centric system. By improving our bus networks and public transport infrastructure, we can move more people efficiently, reduce travel time, and ease traffic congestion."
Ambassador Anna Ferry; Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Department of Transportation
Ambassador Anna Ferry; Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Department of Transportation
The grant will support the creation of normative specifications for urban buses, including minibuses, aligned with international best practices but adapted to Philippine transport conditions.
Swedish Ambassador Anna Ferry underscored the shared vision: "Safe, efficient, and reliable public transport is a priority for both Sweden and the Philippines. By working together on bus standards, we combine international expertise with local knowledge to improve everyday mobility for Filipino commuters. Sweden is proud to collaborate on standards firmly grounded in local realities and priorities."
The project will provide DOTr with: A unified bus classification system; Standard technical parameters; and Performance-based specifications for Public Utility Bus (PUB) categories. It complements the DOTr’s Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) and aligns with Philippine National Standards on vehicle safety, accessibility, and environmental performance.
Since 2018, Swedfund has contributed approximately SEK 10 million (P65 million) in grants to support the EDSA Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, funding feasibility studies, system planning, and technical reviews.
In 2025, Sweden deepened its support with an additional SEK 3 million (over P19.5 million) grant to extend the EDSA BRT feasibility study and provide advanced technical assistance, including engineering designs, PPP advisory, and capacity-building programs.
Emil Akander, Vice President for Asia Pacific, Business Sweden; Johan Lennefalk, Trade Commissioner to the Philippines
Emil Akander, Vice President for Asia Pacific, Business Sweden; Johan Lennefalk, Trade Commissioner to the Philippines
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