THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have invited Spanish companies to participate in the Philippine infrastructure program.
“We have a plethora of transport projects. Your participation will run along other major development partners and other international companies, and we believe that this will be worth your time, worth your resources in this market,” Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John R. Batan said during the Philippines-Spain Multilateral Partnership forum in Makati City.
He said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. hopes to continue the previous administration’s infrastructure program, which it considers a means of generating growth and employment.
The Spanish companies active in the Philippines include Acciona, which is developing railway and expressway projects. Alsina is also involved in major civil works from the previous administration’s Build, Build, Build program, including Metro Rail Transit Line 7, North Luzon Expressway, and C5 Extension, among others.
Multinational consulting, engineering, and architecture professional services firm IDOM was recently awarded the detailed design of the architecture and engineering of Metro Rail Transit Line 4. Meanwhile, railway vehicle company Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles has manufactured 30 train sets for Light Rail Transit Line 1.
Rodrigo I. delos Reyes, project director of DPWH’s Bridges Management Cluster, listed road and bridge projects that Spanish companies were welcome to join.
He noted that Spain is involved in the steel flyover project for traffic decongestion in urban areas.
The DoTr’s Mr. Batan said his department aims to expand its portfolio and “elevate the Philippine transportation system to global standards.”
“Of course, there are daunting challenges whenever you try new things for the first time … such as budgetary concerns, administrative procedures, and other related challenges,” he noted.
Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista has noted the progress made in gaining approval for the DoTr’s 2023 budget of P167.12 billion.
He said the House’s approval of the DoTr’s spending plan “highlights the need to provide Filipinos with safe, accessible, comfortable, and affordable transportation, as well as transform the country’s transportation system into global standards.” — Arjay L. Balinbin