DOTr earmarks PHP176 billion for transport infra spending

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has earmarked PHP176.4 billion for transport infrastructure spending in the Philippines, making this a substantial portion of the department’s proposed PHP214.3 billion budget for 2024. The allocation will be used to fund high-impact infrastructure flagship public transport projects approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board.

The Rail Transport program will receive more than 76 per cent of the total allocation. Key projects under this program include the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project, which will receive PHP76.3 billion during 2024 and the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase I, for which spending of PHP68.4 billion has been allocated during 2024. Additionally, DOTr plans to spend around PHP4.7 billion for the LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension project in 2024, PHP3.1 billion for the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul project and PHP2.9 billion for the MRT 3 Rehabilitation Project.

Meanwhile, DOTr has proposed an allocation of PHP6.4 billion for projects under its Land Public Transportation Program. As a part of this, PHP1 billion will be spent during 2024 for the Davao Public Transport Modernisation project, PHP909 million has been allocated for the EDSA Busway Project and PHP700 million for Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project. Other allocations under the program include PHP500 million in funding for Active Transport Bike Share System and Safe Pathways program and PHP263 million for EDSA Greenways Project in 2024.

DOTr’s Aviation Program has received an allocation of PHP6.1 billion for 2024. Some of the projects to be financed under this include the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (PHP1.6 billion), Tacloban Airport (PHP500 million), New Manila International Airport (PHP200 million) and the New Dumaguete Airport Development Project (PHP500 million) among others. Additionally, DOTr has proposed a budget of PHP1.3 billion for the Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) System Development Project.