Kalayaan Hall, Malacañan Palace
December 18, 2024
In a significant move to enhance the Philippines’ transportation infrastructure and boost economic growth under the program banner of ‘Build Better More,’ President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing ceremony for various Department of Transportation (DOTr) projects at the Kalayaan Hall in Malacañan Palace.
“Nothing is impossible for those of us who dream. But the journey to these dreams do not begin with just a single step — they often start with a queue… Despite this, one thing sets us Filipinos apart: We do not take ‘no’ for an answer. Instead, we find ways; we become resourceful; we make the impossible possible,” said President Marcos Jr., highlighting the Filipinos’ resilience and the importance of moving beyond complacency. He urged them to adopt a mindset of continuous improvement: “We can do better.”
The centerpiece of the ceremony was the announcement of several key projects aimed at addressing urgent transportation challenges across the Visayas Region. The New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP), a substantial investment of PhP16.93 billion, is set to alleviate port congestion and create thousands of jobs. This modern facility is expected not only to make goods more affordable but also to enhance the efficiency of trade in the region.
In addition to the port, the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project, with an estimated cost of PhP28.78 billion, aims to revolutionize public transport in Cebu City. By connecting vital areas of the metropolis, the CBRT will provide residents with a reliable and efficient commuting option.
As tourism continues to flourish in Bohol, the expansion of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) was also announced. The PhP4.53 billion Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project will increase the airport’s capacity to accommodate up to 3.9 million passengers by 2030, fostering seamless travel and generating significant revenue for the local economy.
“But more than just the revenue, its true success will be the number of lives that it will change for the better in Bohol. It is a promise to our beloved people that they will be the first to benefit from the continued arrival of tourists and of investors,” he emphasized.
The Chief Executive also outlined plans for new airports in Dumaguete and Siargao aimed at enhancing connectivity and supporting local economies. With backing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), these airports are seen not only to meet global standards but also to facilitate growth for farmers, entrepreneurs and tourists alike.
“These projects are not just structures; they are representative of every Filipino’s dream of more comfortable travel, better opportunities, and a clearer path towards their goals and dreams,” he continued.
Concluding his remarks, President Marcos Jr. called for everyone’s support. “My fellow Filipinos, the future will not simply come to us — we must be the ones to build it, and this is how we will move forward. So [let’s] together build a better Philippines we can proudly bequeath to our children,” he said.
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