CLARK FREEPORT -- Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade led the soft opening and blessing of the agency’s new main office inside the Freeport Friday, July 28.
This is to pave the way for the gradual transfer of the DoTr national office from Mandaluyong City to Clark starting Monday.
Tugade said that he envisioned a National Government center will rise at the planned New Clark City and the DOTr would first occupy a three-story building previously used by a call center firm here.
The DOTr is occupying several floors at Columbia Tower in Mandaluyong City.
He said that the transfer of office from the Columbia Tower in Mandaluyong City to Clark "is dictated by wise and sound judgement not only for DOTr but for the country as a whole," adding the move would help "decongest certain areas in the metropolis."
Transportation Assistant Secretary Leah Quiambao, in a separate statement, said that by transferring to Clark, DOTr will be able to save the national coffers at least P9 million a year.
"Makukuha po ito dahil mas mababa po ang rental cost sa Clark at kami po ay kikita rin sa pagpaparenta sa aming mga units dito sa Columbia Tower," she said.
Tugade, his undersecretaries, and the department’s communications and legal divisions are expected to lead the transfer on Monday.
Silent protest
But DOTr employees staged a silent protest Friday, yesterday showing their opposition to the transfer.
Beth Lunzaga, spokesperson of the 172-member DoTr employees union, earlier said that the move did not consider the welfare of the employees.
Quiambao however stated that DOTr officials are open to a dialogue with them and that daily shuttle services and other benefits will be provided to the affected employees, who will also be given the option to ask for a transfer to other DOTr offices.