DOTr, Australia seek partnership to upgrade PH transport infrastructure

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Australian government are exploring possible partnerships to modernize the country's railway, airport and seaport infrastructure.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown explored investment opportunities in the country's big-ticket transport projects in a meeting at the DOTr main office in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday, the agency said in a news release Wednesday.

Lopez cited railway projects such as the Metro Manila Subway Project, North-South Commuter Railway System, MRT-7, MRT-3 upgrade and expansion, LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project and the Philippine Automated Fare Collection System.

"This is the kind of partnership that would help close the gaps in the transport sector. President [Ferdinand R.] Marcos, Jr. has said sustained partnership with other countries will help improve the daily commute of our countrymen," he said.

The DOTr is also pushing for the modernization of regional airports, including the 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.

The Transportation chief likewise underscored road transport projects such as the EDSA Busway, Taguig City Integrated Terminal Exchange, active transport project, and the Navotas Feeder Line Project, which will be linked to the EDSA Busway.

The DOTr is also pursuing the nationwide modernization and infrastructure upgrade of the country's seaports to improve inter-island connectivity and ensure the efficient movement of people, goods, and services.

For his part, Innes-Brown expressed support for the projects, saying they will help enhance Philippine public transport reliability and ease the daily commuting experience of Filipinos.

"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," Innes-Brown said.

Innes-Brown was joined by officials from Australian infrastructure firm Plenary Group.