The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is seeking partnerships with the Australian government and Australian companies to help modernize the Philippines’ transportation system.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez recently met with Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown to discuss potential areas of cooperation and investment in major Philippine transport infrastructure projects.
“This is the kind of partnership that would help close the gaps in the transport sector. President Marcos Jr. has said sustained partnership with other countries will help improve the daily commute of our countrymen,” Lopez said.
Among the major railway projects presented to the Australian side were the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System, MRT-7, MRT-3 upgrade and expansion, LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, and the Philippine Automated Fare Collection System (PAFCS).
The DOTr also highlighted opportunities in the modernization of regional airports, including Laguindingan Airport, Bohol-Panglao International Airport, Iloilo International Airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport, Laoag International Airport, Busuanga Airport, Bacolod-Silay International Airport, Tacloban Airport, General Santos International Airport, and Siargao Airport, among
others.
For road transport, Lopez cited projects such as the EDSA Busway, Taguig City Integrated Terminal Exchange (TCITX), active transport initiatives, and the Navotas Feeder Line Project, which will be linked to the EDSA Busway.
The DOTr is also pursuing nationwide modernization and infrastructure upgrades for the country’s seaports, which Lopez said would improve inter-island connectivity and facilitate the more efficient movement of people, goods, and services.
Innes-Brown expressed support for the DOTr’s transport initiatives, saying Australian investment and expertise could help advance the Philippines’ infrastructure development goals.
“The Philippines has ambitious plans for infrastructure, energy and economic development. We want to see more Australian investors bringing capital and expertise to help turn those ambitions into reality,” the ambassador said.
