The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed a technical cooperation project (TCP) agreement with the Department of Transportation helping boost the quality and efficiency of the country’s road transport system.
The transport agency said the capacity development program supports road-based public transportation systems through route planning, improvement of intermodal facilities, and service level monitoring.
Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said the JICA grant will strengthen road-based public transport capacities and “improve inter-modality of transport systems.”
“Our focus in this cooperation project is clear: to improve road transport systems in Metro Manila and surrounding regions,” he said during the DOTr-JICA TCP signing ceremony.
Japan’s assistance will strengthen road projects such as the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), the EDSA Busway, the Active Transport Program, and the EDSA Greenways Projects that promote the use of public transport and help ease traffic in the metropolis.
JICA chief representative to the Philippines, Takema Sakamoto, said part of its strategic approach is to “transport the agency’s [JICA] technical support to the Philippines’ public transportation.”
The DOTr is implementing the active transport program under the National Transport Policy and Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 initiatives. The program has a P5 billion funding in this year’s budget.
Bautista said the active transport program will not only support the riding public but also reduce traffic.
The EDSA Greenways Project aims to improve the pedestrian environment by building elevated pedestrian walkways along the busiest thoroughfare in Metro Manila, specifically in Balintawak and Cubao in Quezon City, Guadalupe in Makati City and Taft Ave. in Pasay City.
Once completed, the EDSA Greenways Project will connect pedestrians and commuters to mass transit stations that encourage the use of public transport.
