THE Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is set to implement its intermodal transport plan next month.
The document detailing project implementation has been forwarded for signature to the Office of the President, said Philippine International Seafreight Forwarders Association (PISFA) president Nelson Mendoza.
Mendoza, who is part of the group working on the adoption of the project, said the Philippines has no choice but to implement the plan this year to meet its commitment to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
The intermodal transport plan is part of a multi-year master plan being crafted by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the DOTC, which will form the basis of the country’s future transportation priorities.
The intermodal plan is also a prelude to the integration of dedicated transport corridors within the 10-member Asean when it implements the Asean Economic Community (AEC) starting 2012.
The AEC will reduce trade barriers between and among the Asean, and enhance cargo movement from Asean to the international supply chain.
In 2006, the Philippines allotted P380 billion to develop intermodal transportation in the country until 2010.
Among priority areas are airports, seaports and railways under super regions identified by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, including the North Luzon Agri-Business Quadrangle, the Metro Luzon Urban Beltway Region, the Central Philippines region, and the Mindanao region.
