The Department of Budget and Management said a total of PHP 176.4 billion (USD 3.1 billion) from the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) proposed 2024 allocation amounting to PHP 214.3 billion (USD 3.8 billion) would go to its Public Sector Infrastructure budget, fostering high-impact infrastructure flagship public transport projects approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board.
The infrastructure projects include the North-South Commuter Railway System and the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase I under the Rail Transport Program; the Land Public Transportation Program; and the Aviation and Maritime Infrastructure Programs of the DOTr.
The DBM said the Rail Transport Program would receive more than 76.4% of the proposed budget for infrastructure development to facilitate the improvement and construction of modern railway systems. The Land Public Transportation Program would get some PHP 6.4 billion (USD 112.6 million) for several infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, the Aviation Program, which focuses on modernizing and developing airports nationwide, would be allocated PHP 6.1 billion (USD 107.3 million). The DBM also stated that PHP 1.3 billion (USD 22.9 million) would be allotted to the new Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) System Development Project to improve air traffic management.
The DOTr’s Maritime Infrastructure Program would receive PHP 988 million (USD 17.4 million), inclusive of PHP 625 million (USD 11 million) for the Maritime Safety Enhancement Project and PHP 134 million (USD 2.4 million) for the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase I. The budget for maritime infrastructure projects would be used to improve response to maritime incidents and enhance the conduct of maritime law enforcement and security operations.
In his Budget Message, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the significance of increasing the DOTr’s funding in 2024, citing the vital role of transportation policy in driving sustainable economic growth.
(Source: Philippine News Agency)
