Gov’t to zero in on six big-ticket transportation projects - Dizon

Metro Manila, Philippines - Six big-ticket transportation projects will be under strict monitoring to follow their completion timeline, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said on Thursday, Feb. 27.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the following projects will be followed up by the new Flagship Project Management Office (PMO):

+Metro Manila Subway

+ North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR)

+ EDSA Busway

+ EDSA Greenways

+ Cebu Bus Rapid Transit

+ Davao Public Transport Modernization

The DOTR chief said the agency will set deadlines for their partial operability and completion.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Feb. 25, Dizon said he will review timelines for some projects such as the subway and EDSA busway.

“The subway is probably the most challenging project this country has undertaken…This subway plan cannot be stopped. This is going to go through and we are committed to finishing this project… I saw timelines earlier that I am not satisfied with,” he said.

In October 2024, then Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista set the partial operations of the Metro Manila Subway from Valenzuela City to North Ave. in Quezon City in 2028. Initial operations were also pegged to extend to Ortigas in Pasig City in 2029.

He also planned to have the NSCR Clark-Valenzuela segment operational by 2027, and the EDSA busway privatized by 2026.

Dizon said he will lead the PMO.

“Personal ko pong tututukan ang mga projects at iyan po ay guided by very strict timelines,” he said.

[Translation: I will personally monitor these projects and these are guided by very strict timelines.]