TRANSPORTATION Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Thursday that he discussed with an Australian official how Australia could invest in Philippine transport infrastructure projects.
Lopez said he mentioned the proposal during his meeting with Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown and other Department of Transportation (DOTr) officials earlier this week.
"This is precisely the kind of partnership that can bridge critical gaps in our transport system," he added, noting the action was in alignment with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive for the DOTr to pursue collaborative opportunities with allied nations to advance the country's transportation landscape.
"The president has consistently underscored that sustained international collaboration will directly improve the daily commute and quality of life for our fellow Filipinos," Lopez said.
Among the flagship projects he presented to the Australian envoy were the Metro Manila Subway Project, North-South Commuter Railway System, Metro Railway Transit 3 and 7, Light Railway Transit-1 Cavite Extension, and the Philippine Automated Fare Collection System.
He said that the DOTr is also advancing the modernization of key regional airports, including Laguindingan Airport, Bohol-Panglao International Airport, Iloilo International Airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport, Laoag International Airport, Busuanga Airport, Bacolod-Silay International Airport, Tacloban Airport, General Santos International Airport, and Siargao Airport, among others.
Innes-Brown conveyed Australia's strong support for the DOTr's initiatives.
"The Philippines has laid out ambitious plans for infrastructure, energy, and economic development," Innes-Brown said.
