The Department of Transportation on Thursday said a substantial portion of its proposed P214.3 billion budget for 2024 will support the government’s Build Better More Program.
Its budget next year is higher than this year’s P106 billion budget.
A total P176.4 billion is directed at public sector Infrastructure fostering high-impact public transport projects approved by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board, including the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) system and the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase I under the Rail Transport Program; the Land Public Transportation Program; and the Aviation and Maritime Infrastructure Programs of the DOTr.
The Rail Transport Program will receive over 76 percent of the budget facilitating the improvement and construction of modern railway systems.
The P76.3 billion NSCR will connect New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac to Calamba, Laguna, the P68.4 billion Metro Manila Subway Project Phase I extends over 15 stations from Valenzuela City to Pasay City, the P4.7 billion LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension Project will add 11 kilometers to the existing railway system, the P3.1 billion Philippine National Railways South Long Haul Project will reconstruct the PNR South Main Line, and the P2.9 billion MRT 3 Rehabilitation Project will enhance commuter experience along the line.
The Land Public Transportation Program is allocated P6.4 billion to finance the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (P1 billion) to upgrade transport services in Davao City; the EDSA Busway Project (P909 million) will benefit 600,000 commuters per day; the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project (P700 million) will help decongest roads in Cebu City; the Active Transport Bike Share System and Safe Pathways Program in Metropolitan Areas (P500 million) aims to construct more bike lanes and proper public transport stops; and the EDSA Greenways Project (P263 million) for the construction of safe walkways around Metro Manila.
The DOTr has set aside P6.1 billion for its aviation program which focuses on modernizing and developing airports across the country.
The various investments include the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (P1.6 billion); Kalibo International Airport (P581 million); Laoag International Airport, (P500M); Tacloban Airport, (P500 million); Busuanga Airport, (P405M); New Zamboanga International Airport, (P300M); New Manila International Airport (P200M; Bukidnon Airport, P120M; New Dumaguete Airport Development Project (P500 million); and the New Bohol Airport Construction and Sustainable Environment Protection Projects (NBACSEPP), P97 million.
To improve air traffic management, P1.3 billion is proposed for the acquisition of new communications, navigation, and surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) system development project. This will allow air traffic controllers to communicate more effectively with the latest technology.
The DOTr’s Maritime Infrastructure Program will receive P988 million, inclusive of P625 million for the Maritime Safety Enhancement Project, and P134 million for the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase I to improve response to maritime incidents and enhance the conduct of maritime law enforcement and security operations.
