DOTr to prioritize ecotourism when implementing transport projects

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista. INQUIRER PHOTO FILE / RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday said that it plans to prioritize ecotourism in designing transport infrastructure projects to protect the environment and boost the economy.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said in a statement that this would support both the tourism industry and promote environment-friendly transport.

“We are therefore pushing for non-disruptive programs that will benefit both transport stakeholders and the environment,” said Bautista in a statement.

According to Bautista, environmentally conscious transport infrastructure projects would promote mobility that is convenient, efficient and smooth.

“We have always put a high premium on ecotourism. This is behind the design of many of our transport projects – to be able to support [the] movement of visitors and tourists,” he added.

The department’s vision towards sustainable transport includes the road, aviation, maritime, and railways sectors, said the DOTr.

Bautista also said that the “big-ticket” infrastructure and “game-changing” transport initiatives are already ongoing, and once completed users are expected to express support.

In line with this, Bautista also asked the government, private sector, and transport stakeholders to collaborate in building comfortable, accessible, safe, sustainable, and affordable travel experiences for the public. — Maria Liezl Projella, INQUIRER.net trainee  

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