Marking milestones in transforming transportation
AS the Department of Transportation (DoTr) celebrates its 125th anniversary, Secretary Jaime Bautista’s transformative leadership underscores the commitment to elevate the Philippine transport industry to global standards.
The numerous projects emphasize DoTr’s commitment to a world-class transportation system, connecting the nation and its people to global opportunities. Progress in aviation, maritime, railways and public transportation reflects a holistic approach to enhancing Filipino lives through connectivity and mobility, guided by a clear vision for the future.
In his unwavering commitment to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Bautista outlined a comprehensive strategy. The challenges faced by the land, sea, air and rail sectors demanded collective dedication, resulting in an unyielding commitment to safety, affordability, accessibility and efficiency.
DoTr’s global showcase
Taking center stage at the 2023 Philippine Economic Briefing in San Francisco, California, Bautista presents a lineup of mega infrastructure projects that are set to revolutionize the Philippine transport landscape.
Bautista showcases the DoTr’s mega infrastructure projects in the US in November 2023, which he says will “disturb” the current status quo in the transport sector and improve the country’s connectivity and mobility.
“Our transport projects highlight the efforts of our government in pushing the infrastructure agenda of President Marcos, who wants us to improve mobility and connectivity,” Bautista says.
The ambitious plans, amounting to $6.6 billion, encompass 11 projects with eight being foreign-assisted and three under public-private partnerships.
Key projects include the privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the construction of the New Manila International Airport and the modernization of regional airports.
The enhancement of the aviation sector, coupled with the acceleration of railway projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway, Metro Manila Subway and Manila Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-7, underscores the DoTr’s commitment to improving connectivity.
Upcoming ventures such as MRT-4, MRT-10, MRT-11, Light Rail Transit (LRT)-6 and phases of the Mindanao Railway Project further solidify the department’s dedication to provide a comprehensive and integrated transport system.
NAIA’s record-breaking performance
The NAIA has concluded 2023 with the highest flight movements and recovering passenger volume to 95 percent of pre-pandemic levels.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eric Jose Ines has expressed satisfaction with the robust flight movements, attributing the success to increased domestic operations and the support of travelers in revitalizing domestic tourism.
MIAA has effectively met its yearly forecast, handling 45.385 million passengers at NAIA – a 47-percent increase from the previous year. The successful management of flight movements and passenger volumes reflects the renewed confidence in air travel, positioning NAIA as a significant player in global air travel normalization.
In a significant step toward modernization, four private consortia are reported to have submitted bid documents for the NAIA Public Private Partnership Project. Bautista emphasizes that the collaboration with the private sector will increase NAIA’s capacity to 60 million passengers annually, a substantial improvement from its current maximum capacity of 32 million passengers.
The bidding process determines the qualifications of each consortium, paving the way for a modernized NAIA capable of handling the increasing demands of air travel. The government’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience is evident in initiatives such as the Schedule and Terminal Rationalization Assignment program and the Airport Integrated Command and Control Center.
In Western Visayas, DoTr has presented airport-centered transport projects during the Philippine Economic Briefing. Bautista highlights plans for the expansion and privatization of airports in Iloilo, Kalibo and Bacolod-Silay along with the revival of the Panay railway. These projects aim to boost passenger capacity, foster economic growth and enhance tourism in the region.
Maritime connectivity
The DoTr, in collaboration with local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), signs a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for port development projects in Albay and Quezon Province. The projects include the Baybay Port in Malinao, Sogod Port in Tiwi and improvements at Burdeos Port.
DoTr Undersecretary for Maritime Elmer Francisco Sarmiento emphasizes the long-term benefits of modernizing maritime infrastructure such as supporting the livelihood of fisherfolk and fostering inter-island connectivity. The partnerships with local communities reflect the DoTr’s commitment to inclusive development and economic growth.
“These upgraded ports aim to support local fisherfolk, enhance the economies of both towns and connect them to larger island economies,” Sarmiento says.
“Malinao, Albay Municipal Mayor Sheryl Bilo; Tiwi, Albay Municipal Mayor Jaime Villanueva and DPWH – Quezon First District Engineer Salvador Salvaña expressed gratitude for the fruitful partnership that facilitated the implementation of vital port projects. Baybay Port is immensely beneficial for our city and for transporting fish,” Bilo states.
Villanueva adds: “The port facility of Sogod Port will support the handling of tuna exports. We have fish landings. Europe has stringent policies and we must adhere to their standards. Additionally, for tourism, the town is a pilgrimage site. So, it’s a significant boost to have this port development project.”
DoTr enters into an agreement with the Provincial Government of Northern Samar and Mapanas LGU for the construction of port projects in three areas in the province.
Undersecretary Sarmiento says the implementation of port projects in Northern Samar is seen to improve the regional economy and connect communities in the province.
“We’re connecting communities such as Mapanas and other municipalities in Northern Samar to the bigger island economies for their economic growth.
We are happy to work with the governor and mayor of Northern Samar so that the benefits will be given to the province and respective LGUs,” Sarmiento says during the MoA signing for locally funded port projects.
Under the MoA with Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan and Mapanas Mayor Ronn Michael Tejano, DoTr allocates P25 million each for the construction of a port in San Jose and the wharves in Allen and Mapanas.
Ongchuan and Tejano expresses gratitude to the DoTr for the benefits that the port projects will bring to their province and people.
Ongchuan states: “This project will bring economic upliftment because the barges and commercial vessels will come in. We’re focusing on copra buying and copra supply going to Lucena and other cities in Quezon.”
Tejano adds: “This wharf will bring opportunities to our city and will offer competitive pricing for fish and copra. We are excited about this development not only for Mapanas, but also for neighboring towns that will utilize the wharf.”
PH as cruise destination
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) says the German cruise ship MV Vasco da Gama successfully docked at four terminals under PPA from Jan. 6 to 10, 2024, carrying 650 passengers; mostly German nationals.
After visiting Manila, Coron, Puerto Princesa and Bohol — recognized as the Philippines’ first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Global Geopark — the ship set sail for Indonesia and Australia. MV Vasco de Gama is one of the international cruise ships scheduled to dock at PPA-managed terminals in 2024.
In 2023, over 80,000 cruise ship passengers from various shipping companies such as Norwegian Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Silverseas, Windstar Cruises and AIDA visits the Philippines, recognized as the Best Cruise Destination in Asia by the World Cruise Award.
PPA coordinates with Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and LGUs to ensure smooth arrivals for cruise ships at the country’s ports.
In Palawan’s Puerto Princesa, each cruise ship docking is viewed as an opportunity to extend services beyond port responsibilities. This perspective is crucial to enhancing cruise tourism in the country, stimulating local tourism and positively impacting local employment rates.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago says: “You can see that the docking of cruise ships at our ports is smooth sailing. Before they arrive in the country, there are pre-arrival meetings to ensure a hassle free experience for both foreign nationals and Filipinos on board. Upon arrival at the port, they will be welcomed by modern facilities and smiling PPA personnel.”
Santiago says PPA is continuously developing cruise terminals at prominent tourism sites such as Siargao, Camiguin, Boracay, Palawan and Puerto Galera to further strengthen cruise tourism in the country.
Meanwhile, the Port Management Office of National Capital Region-South holds a pre-arrival meeting for the international cruise ship MV Resorts World One, formerly MV Superstar Virgo, anticipating its docking this January 2024.
With over 40 previous stops at Manila South Harbor, the ship will have a Plaque Exchange Ceremony, a traditional maiden call event held for a cruise ship making its first visit to the port.
Representatives from Wallem Philippine Shipping Agencies, the agent of the said ship, as well as various government agencies such as the Department of Tourism-NCR, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Quarantine and the Philippine Coast Guard attends the meeting.
Standardize maritime system
President Marcos directs the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to standardize maritime practices globally. He stresses prioritizing standardization for immediate reform, aligning practices with international standards to enhance competitiveness in the global maritime industry.
Marcos says: “Let’s standardize our practices to align with our international counterparts. We need to fix our house first, compete on an even playing field and then gain an advantage. We should undertake initiatives like promoting a highly skilled Filipino maritime workforce. We haven’t done much to promote shipbuilding and ship repair. The rest are for further development.”
The President also examines the high cost of shipping in the country, compared to other nations. It is usually cheaper to ship cargo to the Philippines from abroad such as Hong Kong than locally such as Manila to General Santos City.
According to Marina, reasons for the relatively high cost of domestic shipping include vessel size, the imposition of an excise tax on fuel and vessel quality. Vessels with international routes enjoy economies of scale, reducing travel costs and fares.
In terms of excise tax, any ship traveling internationally is not subject to excise tax on its fuel. In the Philippines, domestic shipping carries the burden of an additional fuel tax.
One issue is vessel quality with the Philippines having old fleets, making them inefficient. Marina stresses the lack of interest from investors in investing in the local shipping industry.
The agency emphasizes the need to change the current maritime policy, noting that the government still allows 20-year-old passenger ships to operate and 25-year-old vessels to haul freight.
Marcos says the problems and challenges cited by Marina necessitate the standardization of operations and practices in the maritime industry in order that proper programs are put in place.
Acknowledging the need for reform, Marcos stresses the importance of standardizing operations before implementing modernization programs. The goal is to align Philippine maritime practices with international standards, ensuring a level playing field and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the global maritime industry.
Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan has sought the President’s approval for the Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028 (MIDP) 2028, which aims to establish a reliable Philippine Merchant Fleet for national development. MIDP emphasizes modernization in domestic and overseas shipping, shipbuilding and the promotion of a skilled maritime workforce.
LRT-1 Cavite Extension’s transformative progress
LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project Phase 1 inches closer to fruition as Generation-1 and Generation-3 trains undergo rigorous test runs. This crucial phase, following the successful test run of Generation-2 trains, ensures the compatibility of new tracks and overhead catenary systems, emphasizing safety, smoothness and efficiency.
The 11.7-kilometer extension project — a joint venture of the DoTr, Light Rail Transit Authority and Light Rail Manila Corp. — aims to connect Baclaran in Parañaque City to Bacoor, Cavite. Once operational, the project is poised to significantly reduce travel time and increase the rail line’s daily capacity, contributing to the overall improvement of the railway sector under the Marcos administration.
Undersecretary Cesar Chavez highlights the significant improvements in the railway sector, with the Philippine National Railways, LRT Lines 1 and 2, and MRT Line 3 making substantial strides. Increased ridership on both MRT-3 and LRT-2 reflects the success of government efforts to enhance the railway system.
Chavez emphasizes the agency’s commitment to fast-tracking projects funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and Asian Development Bank along with those under public-private partnerships. The North-South Commuter Railway Project, MRT-7 and MRT-4 are poised to be operational in the coming years, further elevating the country’s railway infrastructure.
Modernization of PUVMP
The Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) has received solid support from major national transport groups, including Pasang Masda, the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines. Leaders from these groups commended the program’s focus on providing safe and convenient public transport for commuters.
Bautista assures that the government would extend assistance to affected
PUV operators and drivers during the transition period, emphasizing a balanced approach that considers both the safety of commuters and the welfare of operators.
Leaders from transport groups Pasang Masda, the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go Transport Coalition and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP) as well as the UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines says implementation of the PUVMP is long overdue, stressing that commuters will vastly benefit from the program.
Pasang Masda National President Obet Martin says the PUVMP is focused on serving commuters by providing safe and convenient public transport.
“We support the PUVMP for secure transport for commuters and for travel convenience. Passengers have long wanted to modernize the jeepneys,” Martin said.
According to Orlando Marquez, LTOP president, their group has been supporting the modernization of PUVs since 1997. “We expressed our support to President Marcos Jr., and the Magnificent 7 also supports Secretary Bautista and LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) Chairman Guadiz,” he says.
“We’re also taking into consideration the drivers and operators,” he adds.
LTFRB has issued a circular allowing PUV operators and drivers without consolidated transport service entities to continue to operate only until Jan. 31, 2024.
According to Bautista, “It’s important to consolidate now to have efficient operations.”
Bautista’s oath
Upon assuming the role of Secretary of Transportation, Bautista vows to transform the Philippine transport system, aligning it with global standards.
“I urge personnel of this department and its attached agencies to focus on improving the travel experience of passengers by adopting four public service norms: safety, affordability, accessibility and efficiency,” Bautista says.
Confronting challenges across the land, sea, air and rail sectors, he emphasizes the need for collective dedication and meaningful change, deeming the existing state of the public transport system unacceptable.
Leveraging his background in the private sector, the focus shifted towards instilling professionalism, honesty and integrity within government service. Recognizing the significance of teamwork and effective communication, Bautista highlights their crucial role in alleviating daily commuter challenges and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
Beyond mere transportation, Bautista underscores the pivotal role of the country’s economic resurgence. Seeking public support, Bautista acknowledges the continuous need for improvement, presenting this career challenge as the pursuit of enhancing the lives of Filipinos through safe, comfortable, accessible and efficient travel.
With public backing and dedicated personnel, Bautista envisions a transportation system that serves the people and propels the nation forward.
“Daunting challenges in the four sectors of travel — land, sea, air and rail — require our collective dedication and commitment. The status quo in the Philippine public transport system is simply unacceptable. I hope I can transplant my private sector work ethic to my first government assignment by demanding professionalism, honesty and integrity from employees.”
He stresses the need for teamwork and communication among and between agencies. Only by cooperating and collaborating can they alleviate the daily ordeal of commuters. Their job goes beyond transporting people and goods from point A to point B.
Bautista says:“An efficient and effective transport system ultimately contributes to the country’s economic rebound. We do not presume to have the critical solutions to various pressing transport concerns. We will listen to suggestions and even criticism to keep us on our toes. This will be my biggest career challenge — to improve the lives of Filipinos through safe, comfortable, accessible and efficient travel.”
DoTr crucial to economic development
DoTr’s mission is to deliver efficient, effective and secure transportation systems that comply with international standards and adapt to changing times. Guided by values of integrity, honesty and competency, the organization constantly seeks innovative approaches to improve services for stakeholders.
DoTr says: “By 2030, DoTr will be a world-class organization, providing integrated transport, connecting people, islands, families, communities and the nation with the rest of the world, and constantly responding to environmentally sustainable and globally competitive transport.”
Its mission is to provide the country with efficient, effective and secure transportation systems that are globally competitive, compliant with international standards and responsive to changing times.
DoTr states: “As an organization, we value integrity and honesty. We practice what we say, formulate policies, programs and projects, and properly use resources attuned to the DoTr mission and vision. We are competent. We constantly search for and apply new ideas, technologies and practices to improve the delivery of services to our stakeholders.”
It adds: “We do the right things at the right time with the right attitude and behavior. We provide our stakeholders and the general public with access to relevant information. We value and treat our stakeholders with the utmost respect and care. We, the members of the DoTr family, work as a team to attain common goals and objectives. We commit everything to God for the continuous advancement of this department and the nation as a whole.”
As the executive branch’s primary entity, the DoTr plays a pivotal role in promoting, developing and regulating a reliable and coordinated transportation network.
Established in 1899 under the Malolos Constitution, DoTr is integral to the nation’s economic development, providing essential infrastructure systems that enhance competitiveness and connect the country to the world.