Infra projects lower food cost, boost connectivity

THE various infrastructure projects that are now in the pipeline will not only improve the mobility of Filipinos but will also lower the cost of food and other goods.

Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said these infrastructure flagship projects approved recently by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board for the four transport sectors — maritime, roads, railways and aviation — all promote economic and community development, which is also the goal shared by the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the Rotary District 3830.

These projects, said Secretary Bautista in his remarks before the recent Rotary District 3830’s District Conference (Discon), are guided by the “CASA” values.

“Convenient, Accessible, Safe and Affordable transport for Filipinos,” said the Transport chief, who is also a Rotarian himself.

Under Bautista’s stewardship, the DoTr’s maritime sector is actively pursuing projects that connect the archipelago to make the countryside “competitive for trade, investment, and tourism.”

Two key projects identified by the transport chief are the Roll-on Rolloff (RoRo) Network Upgrade and the Farm-to-Market Ports Network.

He said upgrading the country’s RoRo network, which was created in 2003, is one of the eight priority programs of the recently updated Maritime Industry Development Plan 2019-2028.

The upgrade will also “boost the domestic shipping industry in support of the nautical highway development,” Bautista added.

The upgrade of the 20-yearold RoRo network includes the development of ports and ramps and the deployment of additional RoRo vessels to different routes.

Once completed, the modernized and expanded RoRo system will improve the inter-island connectivity and movement of people and goods.

The DoTr also plans to develop Farm-to-Market Ports (FMPs) “to improve the efficient transport of food products, while providing low-cost food throughout the country,” according to Bautista.

He said this network of FMPs is being developed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in seven provincial ports, including Capinpin Port in Bataan, Tablas Port in Romblon, Dumangas Port in Iloilo, and Dapitan Port in Zamboanga del Norte.

Once developed, Bautista said the FMP network will allow farmers and food traders to take advantage of the over 700 maritime gateways and spur economic activity in the countryside, especially in the agricultural sector.

Secretary Bautista also reiterated the DoTr’s awareness of the importance of a well-established transportation system to facilitate economic recovery and his commitment to remain focused amidst the different challenges.

“The challenge is to keep the fire of enthusiasm alive. Serious distractions can dissuade those with a lesser resolve to see these projects to their final completion,” Bautista said.