Marcos to gov't agencies: Remain on track in finishing transpo projects

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Monday called on relevant government agencies to stay on track in finishing the administration’s transportation projects.

Marcos made the call as he witnessed the signing of the Laguindingan International Airport Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project concession agreement.

“To the officials and employees of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the Public-Private Partnership Center, and all concerned agencies, I urge you to remain on track in completing and implementing transportation projects,” Marcos said in his speech. 

The President said he is welcoming more players and investors who are ''equally dedicated to helping us deliver quality services to the Filipino people.''

For his part, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista mentioned some of the agency's plans aside from its airport projects. He specifically mentioned the expected start of operations of the LRT-1 extension. 

''Tinitingnan namin na magkaroon ng additional service dito sa Line-1 for additional five more stations. And we are looking at the middle of November for the start of operations noong Line-1 extension,'' Bautista said in a press briefing. 

Bautista said they are also looking for the awarding of the Cebu International Container Terminal, a project funded by the Korean Exim. He also mentioned the possible inauguration or groundbreaking of the Taguig International Exchange Terminal.

The Laguindingan International Airport serves as an access point to Northern Mindanao. Opened in 2013, it is considered as Mindanao’s second busiest airport, catering to 1.6 million passengers annually.

The project is expected to expand the airport’s capacity to 3.9 million per year in its first phase and 6.3 million passengers by the end of the second phase.

According to Marcos, the public-private partnership provides an opportunity to expand the facilities, upgrade the terminals, increase the capacity, and deliver the services in a safer, more efficient and more convenient way.

Marcos said it also shows the administration’s unwavering commitment to invest in the development of Northern Mindanao. —KBK, GMA Integrated News