ASEAN forum backs safer, greener transport
Government officials and industry leaders have called for stronger collaboration to improve road safety, modernize transportation infrastructure and accelerate sustainable mobility at the ASEAN Transportation Forum 2026.
Held on 8 October at the Marriott Hotel Manila, the forum was co-organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ Automotive and Aviation Committees and the Asian Business Aviation Association.
The gathering coincided with the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship, with discussions focusing on aviation infrastructure, road safety, sustainable aviation fuel, electric vehicle adoption and technology-driven urban mobility.
Department of Transportation Undersecretary Teodorico Delfin, delivering a keynote address on behalf of Secretary Giovanni Lopez, outlined the government’s push for integrated transport networks connecting railways, roads, airports and seaports.
Delfin highlighted major railway projects, including the Metro Manila Subway and the 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway, which is set to feature the country’s first airport express link to Clark International Airport.
He also discussed the proposed 212-kilometer Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway under the Luzon Economic Corridor, which handles more than 80 percent of the country’s port traffic.
Other initiatives include upgrades to the Metro Rail Transit Line 3, expansion of the 24-hour EDSA Busway, the rollout of bus rapid transit systems in Cebu and Davao, and improvements to cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.
On airport modernization, Delfin cited public-private partnerships, including New NAIA Infra Corp.’s expansion of Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s annual capacity to 62 million passengers and regional airport projects in Laguindingan and Bohol-Panglao.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines director general Raul L. del Rosario discussed the need to strengthen aviation infrastructure and regional connectivity as air travel demand increases.
“Passenger traffic is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 7.2 percent, placing us among the top growth markets in the 25 to 100 million passenger category,” Del Rosario said.
The forum also examined investment opportunities in sustainable aviation fuel and the need to make cleaner aviation fuels economically viable for producers and airlines.
Board of Investments Supervising Investments Specialist Morinaella Jeusine M. Torgo said the Philippines has the resources, policy direction, investment framework and partnerships needed to participate in the growing SAF market.
Airbus head of Sustainability for Asia-Pacific Helene Burger emphasized the importance of improving fuel efficiency through fleet modernization.
“The most sustainable fuel is the fuel you do not burn,” Burger said.
Road safety was another major focus of the forum.
DoTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor presented the department’s initiatives to strengthen preventive measures, infrastructure, enforcement and coordination among government agencies.
He said the department continued to pursue its goal of achieving zero road deaths through a whole-of-government approach.
The session also featured a video message from United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety Jean Henri Todt, who emphasized the need for sustained efforts to improve road safety.
“Until everyone arrives safely everyday, there is still urgent work to do,” Todt said.
Discussions on urban mobility highlighted the role of digital systems, integrated planning and coordination among government agencies, local governments and private companies.
Metro Manila Development Authority assistant general manager for Operations David Angelo R. Vargas said smart mobility requires more than technology and transport infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of coordinated governance across Metro Manila’s 17 local government units.
InDrive country manager Sofia Guinto called for greater cooperation among transportation providers.
“All modes of transportation are not competing with each other, they are complementing each other,” Guinto said.
Stratcon.ph managing director Colin Steley identified congestion as a major challenge facing Metro Manila and pointed to the potential of digital technology to address mobility gaps while infrastructure projects are being developed.
The final session focused on electric mobility and the development of the country’s EV ecosystem.
Board of Investments acting chief of the Heavy Industries Division Elvin Garcia discussed investment incentives supporting EV adoption, while Asian Federation of Electric Vehicles Association president Edmund Araga emphasized the need to develop a skilled workforce alongside vehicles, infrastructure and supportive policies.
The forum brought together government and industry representatives to discuss measures aimed at improving transportation safety, connectivity and environmental sustainability across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.