President Marcos demonstrated his administration’s commitment to “transformative” infrastructure initiatives with the signing yesterday of five Public-Private Partnership (PPP) transportation projects in Malacañan Palace.
During the signing ceremonies, the chief executive said these projects not only seek to modernize transportation but to boost economic opportunities in various parts of the country as well, reflecting the “Bagong Pilipinas” mindset of innovation and progress.
“We Filipinos have a saying: ‘Nothing is impossible for those of us who dream’,” Mr. Marcos said, addressing diplomats, government officials, and private sector stakeholders.
“But the journey to these dreams often starts with a queue—at terminals, on the streets, or in government offices. It’s time to move beyond ‘pwede na yan’ [that’s good enough] and commit to ‘we can do better’,” he added.
Documents were signed sealing the Concession Agreement between the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. for the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.
This involves the upgrade, expansion, operation, and maintenance of the said airport spanning 30 years, with the official turnover scheduled for June 2025.
Also signed between the DOTr and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) were the Transaction Advisory Services Agreements for the New Dumaguete and Siargao Airports, the New Cebu International Container Port, and the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit.
The IFC’s transaction advisory services will help the government implement the PPP transactions and expand private sector participation.
The DOTr likewise awarded the Civil Works Contract Package for the New Cebu International Container Port to HJ Shipbuilding Corporation Co. LTD during the event.
Also, the New Cebu International Cargo Port is set to strengthen the country’s maritime infrastructure and elevate the Philippines as a key trade and logistics hub in Southeast Asia.
Additionally, the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit is envisioned to deliver a safer, more secure, more efficient, and climate-friendly transport system to Cebuanos.
For his part, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto called the five PPP transportation projects “a monumental gift to Filipinos this Christmas.”
“All these projects are a major win for the economy, for tourism, for the environment, for the private sector, and most of all, for the Filipino people,” the finance chief said during the signing event.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Marcos affirms signing of 5 new DOTr regional infra projects.”
