DOTr, JICA partner to improve road transport in Metro Manila, nearby areas

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a cooperation agreement on Wednesday aimed at finding solutions to improve road transport in the National Capital Region (NCR) and its adjacent areas.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and JICA chief representative to the Philippines Takema Sakamoto signed the Technical Cooperation Project for the Capacity Development of Public Utility Vehicles in Metro Manila and its Adjoining Areas at a ceremony in San Juan City.

The project, funded by an undisclosed grant amount from JICA, will run for three years until 2027.

Under the project, JICA will conduct capacity development training for the DOTr to support the agency’s implementation of its road-based public transportation systems.

The Japanese aid agency will help the Transportation Department with route planning, the improvement of intermodal facilities, and service level monitoring.

Bautista said JICA’s grant will strengthen road-based public transport capacities and “improve the inter-modality of transport systems.”

“Our focus with this cooperation project is clear: to improve road transport systems in Metro Manila and surrounding regions,” said the DOTr chief.

Moreover, JICA’s technical assistance will be aimed at strengthening road projects such as the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), EDSA Busway, Active Transport Program, and EDSA Greenways Projects, which are expected to promote the use of public transport and help ease traffic in the metropolis.

Sakamoto reiterated that JICA will provide technical support for the Philippines’ public transportation initiatives. —VBL, GMA Integrated News