In a significant move to enhance economic inclusivity and sustainability, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced the ongoing development of approximately 200 social and farm-to-market port projects across the Philippines. This initiative, part of the Marcos administration’s ‘Build, Better, More’ Program, is set to be completed by 2028, according to DOTr Undersecretary for Maritime Elmer Sarmiento.
Speaking at the Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute ASEAN – India Regional Office Logistics Symposium in Makati City, Sarmiento highlighted the transformative potential of these projects. He emphasized that the completion of these ports would not only foster inclusive and sustainable growth in remote and coastal regions but also enhance connectivity between the islands, thereby boosting economic activities in these areas.
Sarmiento also pointed out the strategic upgrades to various seaports, which are designed to leverage their geographical advantages and support the livelihoods of local farmers and fisherfolk. A notable example is the PHP16.9 billion New Cebu International Container Port project, which has significantly improved cargo handling capacity and reduced congestion in the Cebu baseport area.
During the symposium, Sarmiento engaged in discussions with key Japanese officials, including Vice Minister Terada Yoshimichi of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Shukuri Masafumi, Chairperson of the Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute, to explore further collaboration on maritime issues.