Transport & Infrastructure
From The Report: Philippines 2014
View in Online Reader

As the government pursues its infrastructure development programme, real growth in the sector is expected to reach 5.9% per annum between 2013 and 2017. Backed by a favourable macroeconomic environment, political stability and increased spending, the country’s transport sector is slowly being modernised. In 2013 more than $7.2bn has been budgeted for port, road and rail infrastructure upgrades. In 2014 the government has allocated around $9.6bn – an increase of 35% — for public works projects. Despite various challenges, the overall outlook for the transport sector in the medium term looks positive and is supported by a healthy economy, decisive leadership, and a strong financial situation that has made the nation an outlier of growth in a region that is otherwise buffeted by economic troubles.
This chapter contains interviews with Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, Secretary, Department of Transportation and Commerce; and Ramon S Ang, President and COO, Philippine Airlines.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Changes ahead: Focus on modernisation of the entire network
OBG
plus

After years of lagging behind its neighbours the Philippines is finally showing signs of overhauling its transport infrastructure. Backed by a favourable macroeconomic environment, political stability and increased spending, the country’s transport sector is slowly getting modernised. If the momentum continues, the Philippines could well become a thriving centre of investments, tourism and trade flows. Real growth for the infrastructure sector is expected to reach 5.9% per annum between 2013…

Interview

OBG talks to Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, Secretary, Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC)
OBG
plus

Interview:Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya How can access to and from Metro Manila into the provinces be enhanced to ensure inclusive growth and development at a nationwide level? JOSEPH EMILIO AGUINALDO ABAYA: Our aim is to develop convenient, affordable, reliable, efficient and safe transportation networks which are not only focused on Metro Manila, but also between other key hubs across the country. Ensuring accessibility is crucial to socio-economic development and is one of the DoTC’s…

Interview

OBG talks to Ramon Ang, President and COO, Philippine Airlines
OBG
plus

Interview:Ramon Ang How does air transport infrastructure in the Philippines compare to that in other countries around the region? What areas do you think are in most need of investment? RAMON ANG: According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report, which was released in April 2013, infrastructure in the Philippines is among the poorest in the developing world. In terms of the quality of air transportation, the Philippines ranks 112th – the lowest position among the…

Analysis

Easing constraints: Infrastructure improvements are aimed at enhancing competitiveness
OBG
plus

Endowed with natural and human resources that hold the potential of catapulting it from a mid-ranking developing nation into a competitive developed one in a relatively short span of time, the Philippines is held back by its infrastructure and requires a well-connected, affordable transportation system. A 2005 World Bank report on the state of the Philippines’ infrastructure identified low public spending, a poor business environment, corruption and lack of a healthy framework for attracting…

Analysis

The multiplier effect: Public-private partnerships should provide a boost to infrastructure development
OBG
plus

Several major highway and light rail transit (LRT) projects set to be rolled out next year could finally ease serious congestion problems in the Philippines. The wave of planned projects comes on the back of a pledge made by President Benigno Aquino III’s administration to substantially increase transport infrastructure spending as part of a broader bid to boost economic development and create a more attractive environment for foreign investors. Having allocated billions of pesos for large,…