(Photo by PNA)
MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has encouraged European businesses to invest in major Philippine transportation projects as the government seeks to modernize infrastructure, improve connectivity and strengthen economic growth.
The invitation was made during the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP)-ASEAN Transportation Forum 2026 held Thursday, October 8, at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.
The forum, themed “From Roads to Runways: Advancing Safety and Sustainability in Air and Land Transportation,” gathered government officials, business leaders and development partners to discuss opportunities for improving the country’s transport network.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez emphasized the importance of expanding public-private partnerships to sustain the modernization of the Philippine transportation system.
“The DOTr is optimistic that the private sector sees the endless possibilities of the Philippine transport projects that will contribute to the country’s economic growth and address the concerns of the commuting public,” Lopez said.
DOTr Undersecretary for Planning and Project Development Teodorico Delfin also stressed that international partners and private companies are essential to improving mobility and connecting more Filipinos to economic opportunities.
“We need the private sector and our development partners. And with partners such as the ECCP and the European business community, we can connect more Filipinos to jobs and opportunities, move people and goods more efficiently, and strengthen the Philippines’ connections with ASEAN and the wider world,” Delfin said.
Among the major railway projects presented to potential investors were the Metro Manila Subway Project, North-South Commuter Railway and Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway.
The proposed Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway aims to connect major ports and economic centers in Luzon, including Subic Bay, Clark, Manila and Batangas, to improve cargo movement and regional trade.
For road transportation, the DOTr highlighted the modernization of the EDSA Busway, Cebu Bus Rapid Transit and Davao Public Transport Modernization Project.
The agency also outlined ongoing airport development initiatives across the country.
These include the completion of Antique Airport, Laoag International Airport and Siargao Airport, alongside development projects at Busuanga Airport, Bicol International Airport, Bukidnon Airport and Davao International Airport.
Delfin said private sector investments and technical expertise are also supporting airport modernization through public-private partnership arrangements involving Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Laguindingan Airport and Bohol-Panglao International Airport.
Meanwhile, ECCP President Diana Edralin emphasized that efficient and sustainable transportation networks are vital to strengthening economic integration across Southeast Asia.
“Economic growth cannot exist without seamless sustainable mobility. Transport is the nervous system of ASEAN’s integration,” Edralin said.
She added that improvements in highways, aviation systems and port operations could accelerate trade, generate employment and support regional prosperity.
DOTr Senior Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor also highlighted the agency’s continuing efforts to improve road safety through coordination among government institutions.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Director General Raul Del Rosario, meanwhile, underscored the importance of legislative reforms, digital modernization and public-private partnerships in maintaining a safe and competitive aviation sector.
The DOTr reiterated that stronger cooperation with European investors and development partners could help accelerate major infrastructure projects while improving transportation services for commuters and businesses.
