The Department of Transportation (DOTr) vowed to continue its efforts in delivering a world-class transportation system to improve the lives of Filipinos.
DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista, at the 126th anniversary of the agency, urged agency officials and personnel to “buckle down and get to work” to realize President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of a world-class transportation system.
“The momentum we built in the previous year must not only be maintained but amplified,” Bautista said.

“The road ahead is filled with promise. Our shared mission to build a more connected Philippines inspires us to push beyond our limits and make every effort count. Every project we complete, every policy we implement, and every problem we solve brings us closer to realizing our vision for a world-class transportation system,” he said.

The transport chief said the efforts of the transport agency’s personnel would not go unnoticed, saying “every effort counts and every improvement matters in the larger scheme of national development.”
“These initiatives require the same level of focus, integrity, and professionalism that we dedicate to our major projects,” he said.

“They [the public] demand that we approach the next 12 months with a renewed sense of urgency, particularly in completing flagship projects that promise transformative impacts on the lives of our people,” Bautista said.
Bautista said projects like rail modernization, aviation expansion and port/road enhancements are not just about infrastructure; they are about providing hope, opportunity and a better future for millions of Filipinos who depend on us for improved daily lives.

“The journey ahead requires us to stay steadfast in our commitment to efficiency and excellence. Let us ensure that every peso spent and every day utilized brings us closer to meeting deadlines and fulfilling promises. Together, we can demonstrate that our department is capable of overcoming any obstacle to deliver on its mandate,” he said.

“This year presents us with an opportunity to do better and aim higher. While our ongoing flagship projects will continue to be our priority, we also recognize the importance of smaller but impactful initiatives. These are critical in addressing localized needs and ensuring inclusivity in our transportation programs,” Bautista said.

Bautista also addressed issues on transport projects such as budgetary constraints, right-of-way, and other operational issues, pointing out that such stumbling blocks must be viewed as challenges that can be hurdled by working collectively.
“Let us not view constraints as limitations but as catalysts that compel us to think differently, work smarter and achieve better outcomes. It is through these moments of adversity that we demonstrate our strength as an organization. Together, we have proven time and again that we can rise to any challenge with courage and commitment,” he said.

“I call on every sectoral office, attached agency, and partner organization to embrace this challenge with unwavering resolve. Let us cascade this commitment to every member of our teams. Let us embody the values of integrity, accountability, and professionalism that define our work,” Bautista said.