DOTr Announces Transportation Projects Expected to Enhance Philippine Tourism

PASAY CITY — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has unveiled several flagship mass transportation projects aimed at boosting tourism in the Philippines, Secretary Jaime Bautista announced on Friday. Speaking at the Travel Madness Expo 2024, Bautista outlined the department’s strategy to enhance the nation’s transport infrastructure to attract more tourists.

According to Philippines News Agency, the improvement and modernization of transportation systems are essential for ensuring that tourists have a seamless travel experience beginning from their journey to and from their homes. He highlighted key aviation projects including the modernization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Laguindingan, and Bohol-Panglao Airports, as well as the construction of the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan.

In the realm of road transport, Bautista mentioned the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program, the expansion of bike lanes across the country, and improvements to the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) Busway, which collectively aim to enhance the mass transport experience.

Several rail projects are currently progressing at full speed, such as the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway. Other significant projects include the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension, the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7), and the ongoing rehabilitation and maintenance of the MRT-3.

Additionally, the DOTr, in collaboration with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), has completed numerous port projects and continues to work on others, including transforming Babatngon Port in Leyte into a regional transshipment hub and upgrading Jose Panganiban Port in Camarines Norte.