President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. attended a significant contract signing event at Malacañan Palace in Manila, marking the commencement of five crucial transportation initiatives by the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The ceremony, held on December 18, 2024, was a testament to the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure across the Philippines.
The projects include the development of the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP), the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project, a public-private partnership for upgrading the Bohol-Panglao International Airport, and the establishment of new regional airports in Dumaguete and Siargao. President Marcos emphasized the importance of these projects in his speech, stating that they represent the Filipino dream of improved travel and increased opportunities.
The NCICP, funded by the Export-Import Bank of Korea, is set to alleviate congestion at the existing Cebu Base Port, enhance cargo handling, and reduce logistics costs. The project includes a 1,365-meter access road and a 300-meter offshore bridge, with a completion target of November 2027. Marcos highlighted that the NCICP would not only lower the cost of goods but also create numerous job opportunities.
The Cebu BRT, supported by the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group, will span 35 kilometers and include a 17-kilometer trunk service, 22 stations, 62 bus stops, four terminals, a depot, and 18-kilometer feeder services. It is expected to serve up to 164,000 passengers daily once fully operational, providing a reliable and efficient transport system for Cebuanos.
The modernization of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport involves a 30-year concession agreement with Aboitiz InfraCapital. The project aims to expand the airport’s capacity to 3.9 million passengers and 35,000 air traffic movements annually by 2030. Marcos noted that this expansion would boost tourism and create jobs in Bohol, particularly in the hospitality sector.
Additionally, the DOTr, with assistance from the World Bank-IFC, will conduct preliminary assessments for the new regional airports in Dumaguete and Siargao. These airports are expected to enhance tourism and trade, bringing positive changes to their respective regions. President Marcos stressed the importance of meeting global standards and the transformative impact these projects would have on the lives of Filipinos.