DOTC-7 Sustains Improvement

“We will always push for anything that modernizes the country’s transport systems under my watch.”

This was the declaration of Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, in spearheading the Regional Management Council Meeting last March 31.

The said meeting, which took place at the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) Social Hall, tackled the accomplishments of the DOTC-affiliated agencies throughout the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.

DOTC-affiliated agencies namely the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Cebu Port Authority (CPA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Office for Transportation Security, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority and Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) attended the said event.

Increase of revenues

Based on the presentation of reports, the revenue earnings of DOTC agencies were constantly increasing since 2014.

LTFRB-7 citedan increase of 35.49% in its actual revenue earnings for 2015. This accounts for a 10.49% upgrade from the 2014 records specifically for its filing fees, supervision fees, fines and penalties, and miscellaneous fees.

MARINA-7 had an increase of 22.95% from 2014’s return while MCIAA got a 954% increase from 2014.

Other line agencies also retained significant strides in their revenue earnings for 2015.

Improvement of facilities

Aside from the constant increase of revenues, airports and seaports in the region were also built and improved.

At the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA), furniture and equipment were procured for the Airport Terminal Services (ATS) lounge. Patching of runway potholes were also made in the Tagbilaran and Dumaguete airports. While maintenance and infrastructure projects were accomplished in the Siquijor Airport.

Moreover, construction of a new passenger terminal building at MCIA is ongoing with a budget of P17.5 billion. An increase of 954% in revenue from 2014 was noted by the MCIAA.

As for the dockyard projects, the CPA passenger terminal 2, pier 3 was upgraded and extended. Under deck repairs of covered walk and provision of wave bouncer with baluster railings were also done. Plus the rehabilitation of quay walls and expansion of concrete deck at berths 13-15.

Ten sets of solar-lighted navigational buoys at North and entrance of Mactan channel were also provided.

LTFRB noted 18.2 million passengers, a 12% increase from 2014.

Implementation of BRT

LTFRB-7 is also looking forward to the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System in the coming years.

During the press conference, Sec. Abaya urged the next DOTC secretary to prioritize the employment of jeepney drivers once the BRT system will be implemented.

“Jeepney drivers should take the buses. They will be the priority,” heexplained.

The incumbent secretary also said the jeepneys will serve as fillers of the system and will still continue to exist.

“All these were achieved because DOTC Region 7 and its line agencies commit to continue the present path in responding and contributing to the economic development of the country,”asquoted from the report presentation.

Moreover, the event was also graced by Cebu Governor Hilario P. Davide III, DOTC Undersecretary Edwin R. Lopez, LTFRB Region 7 Director Ahmed G. Cuizon, LTO Chief Roberto Cabrera III, MARINA Administrator Dr. Maximo Mejia Jr., Coast Guard Commander George V. Usabia Jr., MCIAA GM Engr. Nigel Paul C. Villarete, and CPA GM Edmund Tan.

By Renra Faith Sayon

www.cebu.gov.ph