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The Department of Transportation will focus its efforts on moving passengers and goods and in transforming the country’s transportation system to global standards under the new administration, newly-sworn in Transport secretary Jaime Bautista said
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Bautista also vowed to continue the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program of the previous administration
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista said efforts of the department under the new administration will focus on moving passengers and goods and in transforming and elevating the country’s transportation system into global standards.
“As discussed during my initial meeting with President Bongbong, we will transform the Philippine transport industry and elevate it to global standards,” Bautista said, referring to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
“We should focus our efforts at moving passengers and goods that use our roads, airports, seaports, and railways,” he said in a speech during a DOTr turnover ceremony on July 1.
Bautista on June 30 took oath as the new DOTr chief, replacing Arthur Tugade who held the position since 2016.
Bautista likewise vowed to continue the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program of the previous administration.
“We do not need to reinvent the wheel. These big-ticket projects truly deserve continuity to struck the maximum benefits for the Filipino people,” Bautista said.
In performing his duties as the DOTr chief, Bautista sought the help of all the transport department’s officials and employees in addressing various issues concerning the transportation sector.
“As a newcomer to this office, I anticipate the usual hesitation to any changes in the way you do things. I promise to listen to your suggestions. I have always been a good listener,” he said, addressing DOTr officials and employees.
“I will not pretend to have all the solutions. With many daunting tasks ahead of us, I ask for your help in making this administration succeed in solving the seemingly insurmountable transport concerns of Filipinos,” he added.
Bautista said he is also keen on making a difference at the agency.
“We will surely be under scrutiny if we can deliver. My confidence is derived from my own experience at overcoming far pernicious issues that allowed us to sharpen our perspective at attacking contentious problems,” he said.
Bautista was former president and chief operating officer of flag carrier Philippine Airlines and held various executive positions in other businesses.
Bautista graduated in 1977 from the Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Magna Cum Laude with a decree of Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Accounting, and is a Certified Public Accountant. He received his Doctorate in Humanities (Honoris Causa) from the Central Luzon State University in 2018.
