The Philippines’ investment in transportation infrastructure projects will stimulate economic growth, create jobs and attract more tourists, according to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista.
Bautista emphasized the crucial role of the transportation sector in enhancing the country’s economic productivity.
“The transportation sector is at the forefront of boosting economic growth by efficiently moving essential services across and between islands and nations,” Bautista said.
“The huge investments on transport infrastructure will create jobs, livelihood opportunities and increased economic activities within and around our project sites,” he added.
To boost tourism and encourage international tourists to visit the Philippines, Bautista cited big-ticket projects in the aviation, railway, road and maritime sectors.
These projects include the rehabilitation and modernization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other regional airports as well as the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), Metro Manila Subway, Metro Rail Transit Line-7, among others.
Other transport projects include the modernization and construction of new ports to accommodate cruise tourism and expansion of bike lanes throughout the country.
DOTr assistant secretary for communications and commuter affairs Hector Villacorta said an efficient transport system fuels a free-flowing logistics supply which will eventually bring a range of economic benefits into full play
Villacorta said the agency complied with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in keeping the supply chains — from products, information and finances — flowing unimpeded.
“If transport systems are efficiently functioning, it will translate into a well-oiled logistics system, and thus increase the competitiveness of private business, while lowering cost of moving people and goods,” he said.
With a thick portfolio of transport projects, the DOTr is ensuring the efficient movement of people and goods through transport infrastructures on land, air, sea and rails.
Development and upgrade of other airports and seaports across the archipelago ensure inter-island movement of supply chains and boosts regional economic activity and connectivity.
“These infrastructure investments will create job opportunities towards increase in business productivity and operations,” said Villacorta.
