The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is driving towards a greener future for Philippine transportation, championing projects and partnerships that prioritize low-carbon urban transit. This commitment aligns with the Paris Agreement and positions the Philippines as a potential leader in sustainable mobility within Asia.
“This harmonization of transport projects is crucial for shaping a more sustainable future and creating greener cities that are safe, commuter/pedestrian-friendly, and accessible for all,” said DOTr Undersecretary Jesus Ortega.
The DOTr recognizes Asia’s leading role in the global shift towards sustainable transport, acknowledging the region’s progress in areas like curbing fossil fuel subsidies, developing UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-compliant infrastructure, and spearheading the electric vehicle revolution. “These position Asia at the forefront of the global shift towards sustainable transport,” said Undersecretary Timothy John Batan. “It is our responsibility to initiate change, and not just respond and react to change.”
Batan highlighted the Philippines’ vulnerability to climate change as a key motivator for embracing green transportation solutions. Flagship projects like the P873.62-billion North-South Commuter Railway and the P488.48-billion Metro Manila Subway Project are poised to revolutionize the country’s transit landscape.
“The transport sector is seen to play a critical role in sustainable development and holds great potential to increase the region’s climate ambition further,” Batan said.
Beyond rail, the DOTr is transforming road public transport through initiatives like the Public Transport Modernization Program, EDSA Greenways Project, EDSA Busway, Cebu Bus Rapid Transit, Davao Public Transport Modernization Project, and Taguig City Integrated Terminal Exchange.
The P8.5-billion EDSA Greenways Project, with support from the Asian Development Bank, will create five kilometers of elevated pedestrian walkways near MRT-3 stations. Bus rapid transit systems, inspired by the EDSA Busway, are also being prioritized in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
The DOTr is developing a comprehensive roadmap for transitioning public transport to electric vehicles. “If our road public transport goes electric, we are on our way to sustainable green transport,” Ortega said. Executive Order 12, issued by the President, is designed to stimulate the electric vehicle market, support the adoption of emerging technologies, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and lower gas emissions.
Other climate-focused initiatives include electric trains, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), crew training on methanol use for sea vessels, solar panels for airport terminals, and hybrid ferry boats for the Pasig River. Incentives for transport cooperatives adopting electric vehicles are also being explored.
“As a nation that is most susceptible to the effects of climate change, growing pollution, and loss of nature and biodiversity, the Philippine transport sector reaffirms its determination to cooperate for the implementation of transformational changes within our country,” Batan said.
