Transport advocacy group AltMobility PH is calling for sustained collaboration between the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works and Highways, saying better alignment of policies and infrastructure is key to fixing long‑standing gaps in the country’s public transport network.
The group welcomed the return of Vince Dizon as transportation secretary and the appointment of Giovanni Lopez as DPWH chief, noting that the new leadership lineup opens a window to push for projects designed primarily for daily commuters rather than just vehicle traffic. It pointed to past initiatives under Lopez during his earlier time at the DOTr, such as the expansion of the EDSA Busway, the Davao Public Transport Modernization Program, and progress on major railway builds, as examples of what can be achieved when agencies work hand‑in‑hand.
AltMobility PH director Patricia Mariano cited the ongoing EDSA rehabilitation work to underscore the core message: road projects should prioritize moving people efficiently, not just fitting more cars. She acknowledged that ongoing repairs may cause temporary traffic slowdowns, but said these upgrades present a chance to redesign major corridors for the long‑term benefit of most Filipinos who rely on buses, trains, or bicycles instead of private vehicles.
“Maximizing road capacity should not simply mean accommodating more cars, but enabling more people to travel safely and reliably,” Mariano said, adding that consistent coordination between the two departments ensures infrastructure spending and transport rules complement one another to strengthen public transit.
For the traveling public, better inter‑agency cooperation could translate to safer, easier‑to‑use transport routes and more dependable schedules — improvements that also help people get to work, school, and essential services with fewer delays. AltMobility PH said it hopes to keep working with DOTr, DPWH, and other stakeholders to turn ongoing transport reforms into visible, daily benefits for commuters nationwide.
