“We express our strong support and trust that Secretary Dizon will be our champion of people centric reforms that will transform our transport system”
Waking up every day to the reality of congested roads, and the constant struggle of getting from point A to point B feels like an unending battle.
For decades, we have watched as promises of better transport infrastructure came and went, while others are delayed in the maze of government bureaucracy.
This is the systemic connectivity problem that the newly appointed Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon has been commissioned to address.
Secretary Dizon is not new to infrastructure. He has been in the trenches of urban development, proving himself capable in both government and private sectors.
He played a key role in the development of New Clark City and the expansion of Clark International Airport—projects that have set new standards for efficiency and planning. His expertise in public-private partnerships will bring much-needed efficiency and sustainability to our country’s transportation network.
Why does this matter to us, the everyday road users, the workers trying to get to our jobs, the students catching an early morning train, or the small business owners moving goods across cities?
Because our daily lives and the productivity of all industries depend on how well the transport system functions. Every additional hour spent stuck in traffic is time taken away from our families.
For businesses—big or small—delays in supply chain mobility directly impact efficiency and productivity, creating a ripple effect across the economy and affecting our country’s competitiveness on a global scale.
There is a clear roadmap ahead, and if executed well, it could transform the way we move. One of the most exciting projects under Secretary Dizon’s watch is the Taguig City Integrated Terminal Exchange at FTI, a collaboration with Ayala Land.
When completed, this terminal will be a game-changer, seamlessly connecting bus routes, the Metro Manila Subway, and major expressways.
Imagine the convenience of stepping off a bus from Laguna and directly transferring to a train heading to Quezon City without the hassle of multiple modes of transport and excessive waiting times. This is the kind of integration we need.
Beyond Metro Manila, connectivity must expand to the rest of the country.
Major inter-island bridges—such as those connecting Matnog to Samar and Leyte to Surigao—could drastically cut travel times and stimulate economic growth in underserved regions.
For decades, these areas have been limited to ferry systems. When these bridges are built, they will provide a direct lifeline to businesses and communities who have long been isolated by geography.
Rail projects are another vital piece of the puzzle. The stalled Alabang-Tutuban segment of the North-South Commuter Railway, the Metro Manila Subway, and the Calamba to Clark railway must all be pushed forward with urgency.
Experts have long pointed out that expanding and modernizing our rail system is the long-term solution to urban road congestion. The same goes for the MRT-4 from Ortigas to Taytay, which, if prioritized, could finally ease the unbearable congestion on the eastern corridor of Metro Manila.
However, none of these projects can move forward without addressing the long-standing problem of right-of-way (ROW) issues.
ROW disputes have stalled major projects like MRT-7, the Metro Manila Subway, and LRT extensions for years. In fact, ROW is the primary cause of delay of all major infrastructure projects.
If Secretary Dizon can break through bureaucratic red tape and local dynamics, he will demolish the biggest roadblock to all the 176 PPP projects worth PHP 2.47 trillion in the pipeline.
With only three years to lead the DOTr, Secretary Dizon must focus on high-impact initiatives that will deliver immediate and lasting benefits.
At the same time, it is crucial that these PPP projects are designed with the public’s welfare in mind, ensuring that they prioritize accessibility, efficiency, safety, and commuter convenience in reciprocal partnership with the private sector investors.
If he can fast-track these projects, prioritize commuter-friendly infrastructure, and ensure transparency and efficiency in the process, he will not just be fulfilling a government mandate—he will be changing lives.
On behalf of CitizenWatch Philippines we express our strong support and trust that Secretary Dizon will be our champion of people centric reforms that will transform our transport system that is modern, efficient, and inclusive.