The worsening traffic on EDSA, much-delayed rail projects… are just a few of the challenges.
His recent accomplishments define his resume. Will his new job as chief of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) add to his deeds?
Newly-appointed DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon has impressed many after his several stints as a government official. Not many, though, may be aware of his role in one of the darkest periods in the Philippine economy—the COVID-19 epidemic that brought everything to a standstill.
Dizon was on the ground, working alongside government agencies and the private sector to ramp up testing and vaccination, and swiftly set up mega quarantine facilities.
In his role as president and chief executive officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Dizon turned New Clark City from blueprint to reality in just 18 months—in time for the Philippines’ hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
The international airport in Clark during his stint with BCDA became a traveler’s dream terminal. Dizon did it in less than three years in the middle of the pandemic.
He has been in government service for the last 26 years, working both in the executive and legislative branches. Dizon was chief of staff of the late Senate President Edgardo J. Angara and served during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Dizon also served as Presidential Adviser on Flagship Programs and Projects and president and CEO of the BCDA as part of the massive Build, Build, Build program, and Deputy Chief Implementer against the COVID-19 virus.
He received one of the highest civilian honors—the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Bayani. He is not new at taking the helm and his leadership and pro-active approach fit his job as transportation chief.
Transportation in the Philippines for decades has been a challenge, with aging infrastructure, delayed projects and inefficient routes that increase costs, limit mobility, and hold back economic progress.
Dizon faces the daunting task of transforming a transportation system long bogged down by bureaucracy and missed opportunities.
Among a circle of government officials and businessmen, Dizon is known for one thing—he gets things done—which made him a reliable go-to guy whenever something needed fixing or setting straight.
It’s no surprise then that a growing number of lawmakers are praising President Ferdinand Marcos’ appointment of the new Transportation chief.
Senators Grace Poe, Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada were the first to congratulate both Dizon and President Marcos for the appointment.
Rep. Joey Salceda, one of the most respected economists in the country, knew first-hand how Dizon works.
“Vince is a long-time friend. We worked together on key issues during the COVID-19 pandemic and after. I have relied on his advice for many important policy decisions. He was also an important ally as I presided over the passage in Congress of the tax reform program.”
“When you need a job done, you hire Vince and the job gets done. I am sure he will bury himself in the work of the DOTr immediately. I am also certain of quick confirmation by the CA (Commission on Appointments),” Salceda added.
Dizon has proven he can deliver results, but the challenges at DOTr are on an entirely different scale. The worsening traffic on EDSA, much-delayed rail projects and airports in need of upgrades are just a few of the challenges.
Can he push through much-needed reforms, fast-track projects and fix a transport system long plagued by inefficiencies?
The traffic in Metro Manila is a complex problem. The lack of mass transportation system and wide roads, and the continuous migration of workers from the provinces have created the perfect storm that is causing mayhem in the whole of the capital region.
Growing vehicle sales in the Philippines are further constricting the capacities of the roads in Metro Manila.
Whether Dizon can deliver remains to be seen. Lasting progress will depend on the support and action of policymakers, industry leaders and the public.
President Marcos once said that traffic “is one of our biggest problems in this country.”
“Sadly, it’s been a part of every Filipino’s life, and the traffic in the Philippines is notorious all over the world,” Mr. Marcos said. “Metro Manila is congested. So part of the plan is to develop the neighboring provinces and cities.”
The new DOTr chief may already have an inkling on how to address the traffic mess and the transportation issues pending on his desk.
E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com