As part of its efforts to decongest Metro Manila, the Department of Transportation will transfer its offices to Clark in Pampanga starting on Friday.
“The first batch of offices will transfer to Clark on 28 July 2017,” the DOTr said in a text message to reporters.
Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade earlier said the “the transfer will be rolled out by batches, so as to ensure systematized and efficient transition.”
“The decision to transfer is in line with the unwavering efforts of the government to decongest Metro Manila, reduce travel time and improve travel of motorists, and help boost development in its peripheries,” the DOTr said.
A study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the National Economic and Development Authority reported that the gridlock plaguing Metro Manila was costing the Philippines at least P2.4 billion a day.
“As the primary department tasked to manage transportation systems and traffic decongestion plans in the country, the Department of Transportation will take the lead in transferring its main office to Clark,” it said.
According to the DOTr, dialogues and discussions were done with members of the DOTr union and employees to thresh out issues regarding the transfer.
According to JICA, the economic cost of traffic congestion in Metro Manila will likely reach P6 billion a day by 2030 if allowed to continue without any intervention.
“Solutions to address concerns such as the provision of free shuttle services to ferry employees to and from Clark, implementing flexible time and four-day work week schedule, and affordable food, were formulated and agreed upon,” the DOTr noted.
“Discussions on subsidized accommodations are also ongoing. DOTr employees were likewise given the option to transfer or be detailed in any DOTr attached agency. Likewise, employees from DOTr attached agencies who wish to be based in Clark were also given the option to transfer or be detailed to the DOTr,” it added.
The DOTr has agreed to provide free shuttle services to employees, as well as flexible time and a four-day work week schedule.
“The DOTr targets to complete the transfer by year-end. The transfer will not cause the DOTr to incur additional expenses,” it said.
“In fact, the Department is expecting savings owing to less rental and overhead costs in Clark, as well as gaining potential income from opening its units in Columbia Towers for lease. Combined, the DOTr is seen to earn about P9.3 million per year from the transfer” it added.