The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is accelerating its shift toward sustainable and people-centered mobility, placing active transport — walking and cycling — at the heart of its transport modernization agenda while advancing plans for a modern ferry system that could rival those in Bangkok and New York.

As cities grow more congested and climate risks intensify, the DOTr is reframing mobility not just as a matter of moving vehicles, but of moving people safely, efficiently, and sustainably. The agency’s vision combines low-carbon mass transport, revitalized waterways, and expansive pedestrian and cycling infrastructure to create a more resilient transport ecosystem.

Major component

A major component of this strategy is the proposed Manila Bay–Pasig River–Laguna Lake (MAPALLA) Ferry System, which is currently in the final stages of feasibility study. The project aims to harness the country’s natural waterways to provide a modern, high-capacity, and environmentally friendly alternative to road travel.

Once approved, the system is expected to ease traffic congestion across Metro Manila and nearby provinces while offering commuters a faster and more reliable way to move between key urban centers.

The first phase will cover a 30-kilometer stretch of the Marikina and Pasig Rivers, featuring at least 32 ferry stations and a fleet of electric vessels designed for high-frequency operations. By connecting Metro Manila, Cavite and Laguna, the ferry system will form a vital backbone of the region’s public transport network and serve as a model for sustainable water-based mobility.

The real transformation

Yet the DOTr is clear that ferries and mass transit alone will not solve urban congestion. The real transformation lies in redesigning streets to prioritize people over cars. This is where active transport plays a central role.

Walking and cycling are no longer viewed as marginal or temporary solutions but as essential components of a modern transport system.

The DOTr is working with local government units (LGUs) nationwide to roll out safe, accessible, and interconnected networks of sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian zones. These investments are designed to improve first- and last-mile connectivity, making it easier for commuters to reach train stations, ferry terminals, schools, workplaces, and public services without relying on private vehicles.

National policy shift

The government’s push for active transport is aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure as viable and sustainable alternatives for daily travel. This national policy shift reflects a growing recognition that active mobility not only reduces traffic and emissions but also delivers wide-ranging public health, economic, and social benefits.

One of the most recent demonstrations of this commitment is the launch of a 37.5-kilometer bike lane network in San Fernando, Pampanga, covering major thoroughfares such as Jose Abad Santos Avenue, Manila North Road, and Lazatin and Capitol Boulevards. This project forms part of the DOTr’s broader goal to complete a 2,400-kilometer nationwide bike lane network by 2028, significantly expanding safe cycling access across urban and provincial areas.

These initiatives are being implemented under the National Transport Policy and the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which prioritize safety, inclusivity, and sustainability. The policies call for transport systems that reduce dependence on private vehicles, lower carbon emissions, and ensure equitable access to mobility for all sectors of society, including pedestrians, cyclists, commuters, and vulnerable road users.

Beyond infrastructure, the DOTr is promoting a cultural shift toward active mobility by encouraging cities to adopt people-first street designs, traffic calming measures, and integrated transport planning. This approach supports safer roads, more vibrant public spaces, and healthier communities while fostering economic activity in walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods.