As the Philippines is looking to position itself as a vital investment hub through various big-ticket transportation projects.
Officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and European Union-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (EU-ASEAN) Business Council had a meeting on Monday, October 13, where they discussed initiatives aimed to spur economic growth and ease daily commuting.
Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said that the DOTr is speeding up the construction of big-ticket transport projects to alleviate commuter woes.
He also sought the EU-ASEAN Business Council’s assistance in improving the transport infrastructure to ensure commuter efficiency through a reliable public transportation.
He noted, “We are filled with optimism that EU-ASEAN Business Council sees the boundless opportunities in the Philippines that will drive our economic growth and address the social needs of our people. This meeting comes at an opportune time as the Philippines continues to position itself as a dynamic investment hub and an emerging gateway country to Asia.”
“From across our transportation sectors—aviation, railways, maritime and road—the DOTr is a committed partner of the EU-ASEAN Business Council to help us achieve President Marcos’ goal of improving the lives of commuters,” added Lopez.
In addition to those, the acting transport chief alsp discussed where the Philippines and the EU-ASEAN Business Council can support each other to expedite the completion of several projects and initiatives.
These include coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on infrastructure projects in railways; strict implementation of air, seaport, and road transport rules; Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme in transport projects, as well as road safety, among others.