MANILA – New Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon pledged to continue and expedite ongoing transport projects, emphasizing that project continuity is crucial for delivering public benefits.
In his statement, Dizon highlighted the importance of speeding up progress on key initiatives. “With the passing of the baton, we must accelerate efforts, not slow down. We need to work harder and finish these projects faster,” he said.
Dizon outlined several major initiatives, including the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), Metro Manila Subway, privatization of regional airports, the EDSA Busway, and the EDSA Greenways Project, among others. He urged his team to “roll up our sleeves and get to work.”
The new secretary also stressed the importance of privatization and public-private partnerships (PPP) in enhancing the country’s transportation system. “We will push forward with privatization, which, as both President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and I believe, will lead to more efficient transport services,” he added.
Dizon commended former DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista for his significant strides in privatizing transport projects, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Laguindingan Airport, and Bohol-Panglao International Airport.
Looking ahead, Dizon noted that the operations and maintenance of the EDSA Busway and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) are set for privatization. The feasibility study for the EDSA Busway is expected to conclude in the coming months, with its contract anticipated by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, terms for the MRT-3 proposals are being finalized by the DOTr, the PPP Center, and the Asian Development Bank.
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