DOTR: Infra projects to spur CL's economy

CLARK FREEPORT --Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said that several big-ticket infrastructure projects will open the floodgates of economic and tourism opportunities in Central Luzon.

Bautista stressed this at the Emerging PH Gateway to Trade and Logistics Exhibit held in Clark International Airport recent l y.

Bautista pointed out that infrastructure support through transport projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project, North Long Haul Project, and Subic-Clark Railway will spur economic activities in the region.

“Our role is to provide the infrastructure support for passengers and especially cargo to reach their destinations throughout central and northern Luzon,” Bautista said.

Bautista said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is also studying additional projects, including the North Philippine Dry Port Container Rail Transport Service, a freight service connecting the Port of Manila to a dry port in Northern Luzon.

The DOTR chief disclosed other projects being studied to transform Central Luzon into a logistics and economic hub are the NSCR New Clark City Extension, Pampanga Rail, Bataan Rail, Northeast Commuter Railway, and the Central Luzon Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

“These projects are expected to improve connectivity between the provinces, facilitate regional trade and cargo movement as well as boost economic growth and investment,” the official said.

Bautista said an established transportation system will improve connectivity in various areas, ensure efficient supply chain operations, and bring socio-economic benefits in far-flung areas.