MANILA, Philippines – Nakipagsanib-pwersa ang Department of Transportation (DOTr) sa multilateral lender na Asian Development Bank (ADB) para pondohan ang karagdagan pang transport infrastructure projects.
Sa news release nitong Biyernes, Oktubre 6, sinabi ni Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista na patuloy na makikipagtulungan ang ahensya sa DBP para makapagbukas ng “opportunities for equitable progress and growth for business, investment, tourism and employment.”
“To achieve this program, we [must] undertake initiatives that address connectivity and efficient mobility,” dagdag na pahayag ni Bautista sa 3rd DOTr-ADB Coordination Meeting.
Sa datos ay mayroong siyam na kasunduan sa pagitan ng DOTR at ADB sa halagang P1.2 trilyon na popondo sa transport infrastructure projects mula sa aviation, railways at road sectors.
Kabilang dito ang North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), MRT-4, Davao Public Transport Modernization Project, EDSA Greenways Project, at multi-sectoral Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility – Output 3.
Ang South Commuter Railway Project, na bahagi ng NSCR network, ang pinakamalaking pinondohan ng ADB sa Asia and Pacific Region.
Samantala, ang ADB ay may kabuuang 17 upcoming at ongoing contract packages na nasa P187 bilyon ang cost estimate.
Maliban sa pagpopondo, nais ding humingi ng tulong ng DOTR sa ADB sa technical assistance sa pag-develop sa “all sectors lifecycle monitoring and evaluation framework, local tax experts at development ng right-of-way acquisition manual para sa ADB-financed projects.
Ani Bautista, makatutulong ang ADB-funded projects na ilagay ang Pilipinas bilang dynamic investment hub at emerging gateway country sa Asya.
“We are optimistic that the ADB would appreciate the investment prospects in the Philippines towards boosting the country’s economic growth and addressing the social needs of Filipinos,” pagtatapos ni Bautista. RNT/JGC
