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DOTr seeks private sector support to finance transport projects

<p><strong>PRIVATE SECTOR SUPPORT.</strong> Transportation Sec. Jaime Bautista speaks before businessmen at the Makati Business Club forum on Wednesday (May 10, 2023). He said that with limited public funds to bankroll such projects, the government could tap the assistance of the private sector. <em>(Photo courtesy of DOTr)</em></p>

PRIVATE SECTOR SUPPORT. Transportation Sec. Jaime Bautista speaks before businessmen at the Makati Business Club forum on Wednesday (May 10, 2023). He said that with limited public funds to bankroll such projects, the government could tap the assistance of the private sector. (Photo courtesy of DOTr)

MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is seeking the financing support of the private sector for the construction and implementation of transport projects and programs.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said that with limited public funds to bankroll such projects, the government could tap the assistance of the private sector.

"There are many government projects that need private sector's support because the government has limited funds," Bautista said at the Makati Business Club (MBC) forum titled "F2F with Cab Secs session" on Wednesday.

He identified big-ticket transport projects in the rail, aviation and road sectors where Public-Private Partnership (PPP) can be implemented.

He cited the proposed EDSA Busway privatization as one possible PPP effort, as well as the construction of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Cebu and Davao.

"We ask the private sector to support the privatization of the EDSA Busway," Bautista said.
Bautista said the DOTr aviation projects in the pipeline include the improvement of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, adding other airports in the greater capital for possible PPP proponents such as in Clark, Bulacan and Sangley in Cavite.

"We need additional airports to serve aviation requirements in Luzon," he said.

The transport chief said that the PPP will also be a huge lift for ongoing railway projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway, Metro Manila Subway Project, MRT-7, LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project and South Long Haul Project.

During the session, Bautista also shared his insights and experience working as a public servant.

"When you work with government you have to work not only 20 hours but almost 24 hours. There will always be supporters and detractors but at the end of the day what is important is you did your best, you work professionally with honesty and integrity, and with that, you should be proud of yourself,” Bautista said.

The session is part of MBC’s ongoing efforts to further strengthen public and private dialogue through connecting its members with the country’s key economic managers from the national government. (PNA)



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