In last week’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), one of the lesser-covered aspects of the President’s speech was his update on the national government’s transportation infrastructure sector. It appears the media's focus had been on his remarks on more controversial topics.

From our viewpoint, however, his take on the transportation infrastructure front has been one of the more energizing aspects of his fifth SONA.

It will be recalled that the President mentioned in his SONA the progress of the South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 4 (SLEX TR4). He announced that the Sto. Tomas, Batangas-Tiaong, Quezon portion of this project should be partially operational by the end of 2026.

The President’s announcement has definitely fueled public enthusiasm at a time when the infrastructure sector appeared to be mired in controversy.

Earlier, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) had explained that this major 66.74-kilometer extension from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena City in Quezon will significantly cut travel time from the current three to four hours to about one hour once fully completed.

As mentioned in the SONA, construction is on track, with earlier segments expected to open first and benefit an estimated 17,000 motorists daily.

We said in our past columns that this is part of the broader infrastructure and transportation gains being achieved under the President's leadership. We believe these efforts reflect his clear prioritization of infrastructure as a driver of economic growth, public convenience, and national competitiveness.

We have observed that under the President’s direction, national government agencies have continued to advance critical road projects. Key initiatives such as the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road, and the Cagayan de Oro Coastal Road are reported to be advancing toward completion as part of the administration’s priority infrastructure list.

These projects, together with the SLEX TR4 extension, demonstrate the President’s effort to strengthen regional connectivity across Luzon and beyond.

We are also glad that things are moving on the rail front.

According to agency reports, the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) continues to advance, with right-of-way acquisition showing substantial progress—rising significantly from earlier levels and reaching as high as 90 percent in key segments such as Angeles, Pampanga.

Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Subway Project, the country’s first underground mass transit system, is reported to be on track. DOTr updates confirm that major civil works and systems contracts have been awarded, tunneling activities are expanding across several locations, and right-of-way constraints have largely been addressed.

Air transportation is not about to be left behind. Last we heard, the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan continues to progress, with land development ahead of schedule. Latest reports indicate that construction of the passenger terminal building will expand in 2026, and the first runway is targeted for completion by 2028.

We can understand the upbeat mood that these developments fuel. Studies consistently show that investments in transport infrastructure deliver strong economic returns. Research from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank indicates that improved roads, railways, and airports reduce logistics costs, raise productivity, stimulate private investment, and support higher GDP growth.

Here at home, major infrastructure programs have been linked to job creation—often generating hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities—while enhancing regional competitiveness and facilitating the movement of goods and people.

This is why we share the view that this current wave of projects holds significant promise for long-term economic gains.

Taken together, these projects—expressways, railways, and airports—are expected to lower the cost of doing business, attract investment, create jobs, and make daily travel more reliable for students, workers, and families. Stronger connections to Metro Manila and Southern Luzon open new possibilities for commerce, tourism, and development while easing the burden of long commutes.

We commend the President for his decisive leadership in driving the infrastructure agenda.

We also recognize the work of the national agencies in turning that vision into tangible progress. We believe that the advances we are seeing today are the product of their determined effort.

Looking ahead, the continued completion of these roads, railways, bridges, and airports will strengthen our economy and improve daily life for millions of Filipinos.

Under the President's leadership, these infrastructure gains are building pathways to opportunity and to a more connected, competitive, and inclusive Philippines.

As the nation moves forward with its infrastructure agenda, we hope Antipolo will likewise benefit from the realization of the LRT-2 Antipolo East Extension and the MRT-4. These projects will not only make daily travel faster and more convenient but also unlock new opportunities for economic growth, investment, and a better quality of life for every Antipoleño and Rizaleño.