Abaya vows: Phl to invest in better transport system

CEBU, Philippines - Amid the discussion on the evolving challenges of transport systems, Department of Transportation and Communication Secretary Emilio Abaya vowed to transportation ministers of Asia-Pacific economies that the Philippines will invest in a resilient infrastructure setup for the country. 

“We realize the benefits of encouraging innovation in our transportation systems in order to address the evolving challenges encountered in transport sector and to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations,” said Abaya yesterday, during the second day of the 9th Asia Pacific Economic Conference Transportation Ministerial Meeting at the Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort, participated by the 21 member economies within the Asia Pacific region.

“During this meeting, we shall explore some of these innovations, particularly instructive technologies in data applications and intelligent transportation systems,” Abaya added.

Chaired by the Abaya, the group, together with experts in the transportation innovation field, will push for the region’s adaption of disruptive technologies, big data application for intelligent transport system, enhancing mobility and connectivity within the Asia Pacific region.

Governed by its chosen theme “Driving Economic Growth to Inclusive Connectivity,” Abaya said in his opening speech, that the Philippines, in particular, will actively participate in adapting newer perspective in addressing transportation-related issues.

This includes the requirement of about $8 trillion in infrastructure development for the period between 2010 and 2020 alone, according to the Asian Development Bank.

Intelligent transportation solutions will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of regional connectivity and promote smart, clean and low-carbon urbanization.

According to Alan Bollard, executive director of Singapore-based APEC Secretariat, there are 40 to 50 technical working groups of APEC, as well as the transportation working group and other working groups, that will respond to the directives from ministerial meetings.

“We are trying to identify and reduce bottlenecks around supply chain management, there’s a lot going on around harmonization, integration, interoperability, trying to make systems work together whether it be customs level, whether it be single customs windows, all throughout economic cooperators, trying to ensure we’ve got data systems and processes that work together, right around these 21 quite diverse economies, added Bollard.

The conclusions that will be made in the three-day transport ministerial meeting will be presented to the leaders during the economic leaders meeting set in Manila next month.

DOTC Secretary Abaya said various projects and programs that have already been accomplished by the transport working group will also be relayed to the ministers.

“Following this, the United States will be providing us with an overview of the results of two initiatives, namely, the symposium and workshop on improving resiliency in global supply chains and the women in transportation forum. These were tackled in the days immediately preceding the TMM proper in Manila and Cebu, respectively,” he said.

 “The Philippines as the TMM9 host, took note of the emphasis given to ensure that transportation services and facilities are accessible and convenient to the public, while remaining reliable and resilient in the face of disasters and environmental and resource constraints,” Abaya said, explaining the reason why they chose this year’s theme.

He said this year’s theme is consistent with the overall theme of APEC 2015: “Building Inclusive Economies, Building A Better World”.

“Advancing inclusive mobility means addressing the transportation requirements of all, especially those in vulnerable sectors of our society–the persons with disability, women, children, and the elderly. Improving mobility translates to increased productivity which helps accelerate economic progress. Inclusive mobility would mean that everyone’s needs are incorporated in the transport plans, programs, activities, projects of all economies throughout the region,” Abaya stressed.

He said ministers would further be discussing the need to develop sustainable transportation systems that would support the continuous flow of passengers and goods.

The improvement of mobility in the transport systems would also translate economic progress, he said.

Asia Pacific, a $32 trillion economy, has a 47 percent share of the total world trade.

The participating APEC economies are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong-China, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam. —  (FREEMAN)