DPWH, DOTr vow to enhance collaboration on infrastructure projects

MANILA, Philippines — The Marcos administration is ramping up key infrastructure projects via enhanced collaboration between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr)

Both agencies are finalizing a joint memorandum agreement to intensify cooperation in the implementation of big-ticket “Build Better More” transportation and related infrastructure projects.

Last Feb. 13, DPWH officials led by Undersecretary for planning and public-private partnership services Maria Catalina Cabral met with the DOTr team headed by Undersecretary for planning and project development Timothy John Batan to expedite the implementation of infrastructure projects.

“We hope to hold more coordination meetings with the DOTr and other agencies as we aim to really beef up our efforts in improving mobility across the country, pursuant to the administration’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas,” Cabral, who represented DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, said.

During the meeting, the officials discussed the proposed DPWH-DOTr clash resolution agreement for appropriate adjustment in their respective projects.

This came after the DOTr reported some implementation concerns on the agency’s convergence projects, including ongoing and upcoming projects, with the DPWH.

These include roads leading to ports and airports, other port and airport facilities, active transport infrastructure like bike lanes as well as the EDSA Greenways Project.

For its part, the DPWH vowed close coordination with concerned DOTr offices to ensure that the projects are complementary with the other public infrastructure facilities.

Other DPWH officials who attended the meeting were Undersecretary for convergence program Eric Ayapana and Undersecretary for North Luzon and Mindanao operations Eugenio Pipo Jr.

Aside from Batan, the DOTr officials who were present included Undersecretary for maritime Elmer Francisco Sarmiento, Undersecretary for road transport and infrastructure Anneli Lontoc and Undersecretary for railways Jeremy Regino.

DPWH Assistant Secretaries Rey Peter Gille, Medmier Malig and Joy Manginsay; DPWH regional directors, bureau and service directors, as well as DOTr project managers and other representatives from its attached agencies attended the meeting.