Transport & Logistics

Visa has launched automated, contactless fare collection systems across all 13 stations of the Manila Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), marking its fourth cashless transit initiative in the country. Developed in partnership with the Department of Transportation, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, and other industry stakeholders, the project enables more than 160,000 daily commuters to pay for train rides using Visa cards, QR codes, and NFC-enabled devices.

The government is positioning electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing for greater policy support while reviving a scaled-down automotive incentive program to prevent investment momentum from stalling before a long-term industry roadmap takes effect.

The Department of Transportation has approved 12 major rail projects valued at over $30 billion, marking a significant shift after decades of slow progress in the country's transit sector. Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan reported that seven of these major projects are currently under construction, one is finished, and six are slated to open within the next seven years. In a push for environmental sustainability, all 12 networks are designed as fully electric railway systems.

The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has earned recognition from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. after remitting P585.71 million in dividends to the National Treasury, highlighting the state-run firm's growing financial strength and its expanding contribution to government revenues.

Topline Equity Corp. is casting a wider net beyond its traditional businesses, forming a joint venture with Singapore-based marine services firm Aesen Pte. Ltd. to capitalize on what it sees as a looming boom in offshore infrastructure projects worth an estimated P600 billion.