Private investments to fast-track transport projects–DOTr chief

MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has encouraged the private sector to invest in the government’s several transportation projects under the public-private partnership ( PPP) .

During his speech before the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Makati City Thursday, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said such investments are “highly investible” and would speed up the completion of government projects.

“You can discover their investment potential under the PPP scheme. Private sector investment will allow us to fast-track their completion,” he sai d .

Bautista said the government is open to private partners for these projects due to “public funding challenges.”

Of the 198 infrastructure flagship projects approved by the National Economic and Development Authority, he said 73 projects are assigned to the DOTr.

To date, there are 160 projects in the pipeline for the agency.

Projects in the aviation industry include the

Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Clark International Airport, and Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

“Other airport projects are in Bukidnon, Catbalogan, Tacloban, Caticlan, Dumaguete, Siargao, Zamboanga, Masbate, Kalibo, and the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan,” he sai d .

For road transport, the DOTr has projects such as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, EDSA Busway, EDSA Greenways, Cebu Bus Rapid Transit, Davao Public Transport Modernization Program and the Active Transport Pr ogr am.

In the rail sector, some of the big-ticket projects include the North-South Commuter Railway System, Metro Manila Subway Project, Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension, Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 7, MRT-4 and South Long-Haul Railway.

Bautista also cited the Philippine Coast

Guard, the Philippine Ports Authority and the Maritime Industry Authority for their roles in securing and managing the country’s waters, ports and vessels. (PNA)