The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Rose de la Cruz
The Department of Transportation and the Japan International Cooperation Agency will collaborate– with the signing Wednesday of a technical cooperation agreement– to improve the efficiency and quality of road transport system specifically in Metro Manila.
The agreement focuses on capacity development initiatives for public transport systems including route planning, improving intermodal facilities in Metro Manila, reported business blog site, Bilyonaryo.
“Our focus with this cooperation project is clear: to improve road transport systems in Metro Manila and surrounding regions,” said DoTr Secretary Jaime Bautista at the signing ceremony.
JICA’s support will specifically target ongoing projects like the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), EDSA Busway, Active Transport Program, and EDSA Greenways Projects.
These initiatives aim to increase public transport usage and alleviate the chronic traffic congestion plaguing the National Capital Region (NCR).
Takema Sakamoto, JICA’s Chief Representative to the Philippines, highlighted their strategic approach in providing technical assistance to boost public transportation in the country.
The agreement comes as the DOTr actively implements its P5 billion Active Transport Program for 2024.
This program promotes cycling and other non-motorized transport options as part of the National Transport Policy and the Philippine Development Plan.
The EDSA Greenways Project, another key initiative, aims to improve pedestrian environments by constructing elevated walkways along key stretches of EDSA.
These walkways are expected to provide better access to mass transit stations, further encouraging the use of public transportation.ro/GMA Integrated News)
The project, funded by an undisclosed grant amount from JICA, will run for three years until 2027.
Under the project, JICA will conduct capacity development training for the DOTr to support the agency’s implementation of its road-based public transportation systems.
Bautista said JICA’s grant will strengthen road-based public transport capacities and “improve the inter-modality of transport systems.”
“Our focus with this cooperation project is clear: to improve road transport systems in Metro Manila and surrounding regions,” Bautista was quoted by GMA 7 news.
Sakamoto reiterated that JICA will provide technical support for the Philippines’ public transportation initiatives.