THE Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is pursuing at least 21 projects under the Public-Private Partnership scheme by next year.
In the rail sector, the agency is pursuing integration between LRT Line 1 and MRT 3, Transport Secretary Jose De Jesus said in a press briefing last week.
The LRT South Extension Project extends the 15-kilometer LRT Line 1 system southward to Bacoor, Cavite by an additional 11.7 kilometers. It will include eight passenger stations with provision for two additional ones in the future.
The feasibility study is being updated and the right-of-way acquisition now 80%. Bidding documents are being prepared and will be tendered out by the second quarter of 2011.The construction for the LRT Line 1 extension will be bidded out by third quarter of 2011.
The MRT Line 2 Extension Project will involve construction of a four-kilometer eastern extension of MRT Line 2 from Santolan in Pasig City to the Masinag Junction in Antipolo, Rizal. Two additional passenger stations, to be located at Sta. Lucia Mall and Masinag area, will be constructed. The feasibility study is being updated and the tender documents for concession being prepared.
The Northrail Project Section 1 from Caloocan City to Malolos, Bulacan has been under construction since 2008. So far, the project is 20% complete. Since July, it has been undergoing financial and technical review which will be completed next month.
The Northrail Project Section 2, which runs from Malolos, Bulacan, to Clark, Pampanga, is also being reviewed to clarify and improve contract conditions and expedite project implementation.
The Philippine National Railways (PNR) North Rail-South Rail Linkage Phase 1, which runs from Tutuban, Caloocan City to Alabang, has been operational since 2007. The line carries about one million passengers per month.
A section of the PNR Main Line South from Alabang to Legazpi City, Albay – the Sipocot, Camarines Sur-Naga, Camarines Sur-Ligao, Albay stretch — has been operational since December 16, 2009 with an estimated ridership of one thousand passengers per day.
The DOTC plans to rehabilitate the remaining sections from Alabang all the way to Legazpi then privatize the project. Alternatively, the DOTC may bid the South line as a rehabilitate-operate-and-maintain project.
The master plans for the National Railway System and the Mindanao Railway System are now being prepared, with the DOTC to seek grant financing for its funding.
In the civil aviation sector, the Puerto Princesa Airport Project will be redeveloped by the second quarter of 2011.
The Laguindingan Airport Development Project is 70% complete with operation and management to be bidded out by the third quarter of 2011.
The Panglao Airport Project is also a priority project, its development is undergoing review to consider views from all stakeholders.
