Transport & Infrastructure

As the government pursues its infrastructure development programme, real growth in the sector is expected to reach 5.9% per annum between 2013 and 2017. Backed by a favourable macroeconomic environment, political stability and increased spending, the country’s transport sector is slowly being modernised. In 2013 more than $7.2bn has been budgeted for port, road and rail infrastructure upgrades. In 2014 the government has allocated around $9.6bn – an increase of 35% -- for public works projects. Despite various challenges, the overall outlook for the transport sector in the medium term looks positive and is supported by a healthy economy, decisive leadership, and a strong financial situation that has made the nation an outlier of growth in a region that is otherwise buffeted by economic troubles. This chapter contains interviews with Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, Secretary, Department of Transportation and Commerce; and Ramon S Ang, President and COO, Philippine Airlines.