Davao City
July 1, 2023

“As long as we are guided by the core of the whole-of-nation and even the whole-of-society approach, I am confident that our vision of a seamless, efficient, accessible and highly connection transportation system will be well within our reach,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed as he reasserted the Administration’s strong commitment of ensuring a world-class and effective transport operations, after witnessing the agreement signing of the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP).

Anchored in the government’s vision of strengthening the country’s infrastructure, the President underscored the significance of this project in improving the country’s public transport, while at the same time progressively expanding economic activities within Davao City.

“I am optimistic that we will come up and forge even more projects in the years ahead, especially those that aim to improve the lives and lessen the burden to the Filipino public,” President Marcos Jr. conveyed.

The DPTMP will cover 672 kilometers with 29 routes that connect key areas in Davao City to Panabo City, Davao Del Norte. It is projected to start initial operations by 2024 and is expected to cater to around 800,000 passengers daily. A partnership between the Philippine Government and Asian Development Bank (ADB), the project incorporates the country’s sustainability and climate action commitments that will serve as a benchmark for other cities’ public transit projects.

The Chief Executive urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and all involved government agencies to ensure and address various concerns throughout the implementation of the project, as he assured Davaoeños of the government’s continuous support in improving the transportation system for the benefit of present and future generations in the region.

“As I offer you this affirmation, I also ask for your support in ensuring that, once the projects are completed, you will abide by the laws and take care of our buses and other forms of transportation… We will remain relentless in providing solutions to the pressing challenges that hinder our path towards prosperity and progress,” the President said.

Vice President Sara Duterte, Senator Imee Marcos, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte joined President Marcos Jr. in the event.

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