DOTR bets on speed, eyes big wins for commuters in 2026

Even with a leaner infrastructure budget this year, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) is racing ahead with plans to transform how Filipinos travel. From railways to airports and bus corridors, the agency is doubling down on projects designed to make commuting faster, safer and more convenient — while demonstrating that every peso counts.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the key is not just spending, but spending wisely. “We are very much committed to continuing our efforts to expedite the completion of all existing projects and deliver them within the timeline. All funds allocated for infrastructure will directly benefit Filipinos,” he said. “We want to ensure the public and our investors that the budget will be spent efficiently to make sure that our projects truly address the needs of our commuters.”

For 2026, the DoTr has set aside P74.5 billion for flagship infrastructure projects, down from P103.05 billion in 2025. Yet, last year’s track record shows that a tighter budget doesn’t have to slow progress. Of the 2025 allocation, P93.33 billion — or 90.57 percent — has already been obligated, while P59.63 billion — or 63.89 percent — has been disbursed, reflecting disciplined spending and efficient project execution.

Railways on the fast track

At the forefront is the 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), alongside the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), MRT-7 and the rehabilitation of MRT-3. On the roads, modernization efforts such as the EDSA Busway, Cebu Bus Rapid Transit and Davao Public Transport Modernization Project aim to reduce travel times and improve commuter experiences.

The NSCR North segment’s right-of-way (RoW) acquisition is on track for completion by June. Lopez noted that 2025 was “truly a banner year for our right-of-way efforts because we sped up land acquisition so commuters can immediately benefit from the subway and NSCR.”

By December 2025, 56 percent of the NSCR North segment’s required land had been cleared, a dramatic rise from just 2 percent in February. For the Metro Manila Subway, 90.76 percent of the necessary land has been secured.

The DoTr also invested in manpower to accelerate progress, expanding RoW and site acquisition (RoWSA) personnel from 200 to 900 and appointing Assistant Secretary IC Calaguas to lead negotiations and settlements. These reforms have been crucial in ensuring projects stay on schedule and ready for construction.

Better buses, smoother journeys

Public transport along EDSA is set for a major facelift with three new busway stations in Cubao, Magallanes and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). Transportation Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor said, “We want to strengthen and speed up our time and motion here on EDSA when traveling by public transportation.”

The Kamuning Station, opening between January and March, will feature elevators and escalators to improve accessibility for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and pregnant women.

Airports and ports take off

Air travel is also getting a boost. Antique Airport’s modernization has quintupled passenger capacity from 64 to 360, expanded the runway and increased check-in counters from two to six. The control tower now rises seven-stories for enhanced flight safety, while upgraded baggage handling and passenger systems promise a smoother experience. Lopez said, “We will ensure that every cent goes into the project, and when it is spent properly, the outcome will be excellent.”

In the maritime sector, the Port of Jubang in Dapa, Surigao del Norte, will open in the first quarter as a dedicated cruise facility. Lopez described seaports as “competitive, predictable and investment-ready platforms that support trade expansion, logistics efficiency, tourism growth and the clean energy transition.”

Private sector confidence

The NSCR’s operations and maintenance public-private partnership (PPP) has attracted strong interest from local and international railway firms. “The high turnout…displays the investors’ confidence in our government and in our economy,” Lopez said. Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan added that securing experienced operators is critical to ensuring safe, efficient service when the line opens, with partial operations expected in December 2027 and full operations by October 2028.

With disciplined spending, accelerated land acquisition and strong private sector engagement, the DoTr is signaling that 2026 will be a year of tangible progress. For commuters, tourists and investors alike, the department’s ambitious push promises a faster, smoother and more connected Philippines.