OFFICE VISIT. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista (left) visits the Davao Public Transport Modernization Program (DPTMP) Project Management Office in Davao City on Thursday (Oct. 10, 2024). Bautista said Friday (Oct. 11, 2024) that the DPTMP is on track to begin operations by 2026. (Photo courtesy of DOTr)
MANILA – The Davao Public Transportation Modernization Program (DPTMP) is on track to start operations in 2026, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Friday.
On the sidelines of the Mindanao Infrastructure Summit in Davao City, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the majority of the DPTMP, formerly called the Davao High-Priority Bus System, is already funded.
“As far as the budget is concerned, we have already requested Congress to allocate more funds to support the ongoing works. But as far as the project is concerned, it’s a go and we are on track,” Bautista said.
Aside from funding from the country’s coffers, the Asian Development Bank and the Davao City local government have expressed funding support for the DPTMP.
He also met with personnel of the DPTMP Project Management Office and assured them of the DOTr’s support in implementing the project.
“We will address the issues by working closely with other offices and agencies. Rest assured that we are here for you, and we will do everything we can to implement this project,” he said.
The DPTMP is a bus-based public transport system that will consist of a fleet of electric and diesel-powered buses that will ply 29 routes along a 672.95-km. road network. (PNA)
