TRANSPORTATION Secretary Jaime Bautista has assured continuity of the agency's big-ticket infrastructure projects implemented under the Build, Build, Build program of the previous administration.
The newly installed secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said this during his first day
in office inside the freeport coinciding the turnover ceremony with outgoing Secretary Arthur Tugade.
"I would like to assure Secretary Tugade that we will seriously consider continuing the various programs he implemeted under President Duterte's Build Build Build initiative," Bautista, a former president of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) said.
"We do not need to reinvent the wheel. These big-ticket projects truly deserve continuity to extract the maximum potential benefits for the Pilipino people," he added.
The new DOTr chief said President Bongbong Marcos agreed to work to further improve the country's transport industry.
"As discussed during my initial meeting with President Bongbong, we will transform the Philippine transport
industry and elevate it to global standards," Bautista said.
"Our mantra then shall be accessible, affordable, comfortable and safe transport service throughout the country," he added.
Among the ongoing projects of the DOTr is the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), a 147-kilometer transit
system that will connect South Luzon, Metro Manila and North Luzon.
The railway will run from New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac to Calamba, Laguna with 36 stations.
Bautista at the same time solicited the cooperation and unity of DOTr employees.
He said employees are the best resources of any company and this applies to the department.
"I hope to bring to the transportation department my distinct work ethic and style of management by extolling the employees to do their best to be professionals," Bautista said.
"We urge you to display total personal commitment to your respective jobs with honestly and integrity. To be transparent and dedicated. We must work together in unity which is the rally call of this administration," he told DOTr employees.