New DOTr chief vows to continue projects, programs of previous admin

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is all set to serve Filipinos under the leadership of its new secretary, Jaime Bautista. Despite moving forward with a new regime, Bautista shared that the government agency will continue the big-ticket projects, programs, and policies carried out by the previous administration.

New DOTr sec. Jaime Bautista

During the turnover ceremony at the DOTr Clark Office last July 1, the new chief is looking ahead with his head high as he assured that the agency will transform the transport sector to reach global standards.

“As discussed during my initial meeting with President Bongbong, we will transform the Philippine transport industry and elevate it to global standards,” said Bautista. “We should focus our efforts on moving passengers and goods that use our roads, airports, seaports, and railways.”

The Metro Manila Subway is one of the big-ticket projects that will shape the way we see the transport sector. This is a 36-km long subway that will link Quezon City and NAIA Terminal 3, reducing the travel time to just 35 minutes. It will be linked to the Unified Grand Central Station so that commuters can conveniently transfer rail lines.

New Transport Secretary Bautista (left) with his predecessor Arthur Tugade (right)

Aside from railway projects, the 8-km NLEX-SLEX Connector is another major piece of infrastructure, situated between Sta. Mesa and C3, Caloocan. The project aims to reduce traffic on busy roads such as EDSA and C5. Around 35,000 motorists are expected to use the expressway upon completion, including truck drivers.

Delivering the infrastructure projects will be challenging, especially in today’s time. But former Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade vows to support the new administration in any way possible.

“We shall extend the needed help and support we can give to the new administration, for their success is the success of the Filipino people,” Tugade said. “Looking at how far we have come, I can proudly say that our toil was not in vain,” he added.

Get the latest updates on the transport sector at Philkotse.com.