President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed newly appointed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to fast-track key infrastructure projects to improve public transport and reduce travel time.
Dizon said the President emphasized the urgent need for an efficient transport system.
“Iyon ang unang-unang sinabi ng ating Pangulo, we have to fast-track all the ongoing projects of the past administration,” he said in a Palace briefing.
“Kailangan nating bilisan hindi lang dahil gusto nating matapos pero dahil alam natin na kapag binilisan natin iyan, kahit papaano mapapabilis na maibsan iyong hirap ng mga kababayan natin – that’s the purpose.”
Marcos Jr. also ordered Dizon to launch transport projects already in the pipeline.
Comparing Metro Manila’s congestion to Tokyo, the DOTr chief noted that Japan’s subway system, which began in 1925, took nearly 80 years to develop but significantly improved mobility.
Despite Tokyo’s 14 to 15 million population—similar to Metro Manila—it feels more spacious because many travel underground, according to him.
“Pero bakit ‘pag sa Tokyo, parang ang aliwalas ‘di ba? Ang aliwalas, wala masyadong traffic, kahit rush hour maluwag, ang lalawak ng mga sidewalk, napakadaling gumalaw ng mga taga-Tokyo,” said Dizon.
The former chief of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority stressed the importance of public transport, calling it essential for workers, students, and families.
Some travel two to three hours each day before reaching their places of work and another two to three hours back to their homes due to traffic and an inefficient system, he lamented.
“Sasakay ka, para kayong mga sardinas sa loob ng tren o sa loob ng bus. Bababa ka, pila na naman. Pagbaba mo umuulan, walang silong,” said Dizon.IMT
