MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to enhance the country's transport system, develop an interconnected road network, and construct additional bridges in a bid to bring down logistics costs and connect agricultural production areas to ports and businesses.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez, for his part, gave assurances that the agency is modernizing and upgrading the country's transport system to facilitate the efficient movement of goods and products.
Speaking at the launch of the United Parcel Service (UPS) Clark International Air Hub at Clark International Airport in Pampanga on Thursday, the President cited the vital role of an efficient logistics network in ensuring the seamless movement of essential goods for businesses of all sizes.
"We all know the importance of getting all the items that we need, when we need them—the food on our table, the medicines in our pharmacies, the goods in our sari-sari stores depend on the efficient movement of goods across the country and around the world," Marcos said.
"This is the role of logistics. It connects our communities, sustains our businesses, and brings opportunities closer to the people. And especially during calamities, the timely delivery of essential supplies becomes even more critical," the Chief Executive added.
According to the President, the proposed Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway under the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) will address the shortage of logistics infrastructure, as the rail line seeks to connect the major ports of Subic, Manila, and Batangas through an integrated freight network.
"These efforts are important steps forward. But we must also recognize that progress must be measured by whether Filipino consumers gain better access to the products that they need,” he said.
Lopez said in a statement that the transportation department has been in the forefront in modernizing the country's airports and seaports not only to ensure passenger comfort and convenience but also to guarantee an interconnected logistics hub.
He explained that these would lower logistics costs and generate investment opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises.
“Upon the President's directive, we must ensure that the Philippines becomes a transshipment hub," the DOTr chief said.
Meanwhile, Clark Hub Manager and UPS Air Operations Head Albert Sapaen Jr. said the new expansion will benefit Filipino businesses and generate more employment opportunities in the region.
"My fellow countrymen, we are truly delighted to announce this expansion of UPS; it will have a tremendous impact on the Philippine economy. This facility will employ an additional 600 people, and most of those jobs are sourced from within Pampanga and nearby provinces," he said.
The President inspected the UPS Clark International Air Hub together with Lopez and Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque.
The facility, located at Clark International Airport in Pampanga, is expected to handle approximately 46,000 packages and cargo shipments daily—more than nine times the estimated volume handled by the current UPS hub, according to DOTr.
The facility operates 17 electric ground service vehicles and equipment units, with nine additional units scheduled for delivery next year. These will support more efficient operations while advancing the advocacy for environmental sustainability, it added.
