Business Bayani PH

A recent study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) has highlighted a crucial need for a solid and long-term plan to tackle the ongoing transportation issues in the country. 

The 2022 study, conducted by PIDS senior research fellow Adoracion Navarro and research analyst Jokkaz Latigar, digs into the challenges affecting the nation’s roads and railways, impacting productivity and well-being.

Traffic jams not only slow us down but also bring stress and anxiety. Unlike some of our neighbors, the Philippines lacks a robust transportation system, prompting experts to stress the importance of a solid long-term plan.

The study looked into the status of our roads and railways, checking everything from planning to implementation. Shockingly, the authors found that many goals set in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, the Public Investment Program, and the expenditure program haven’t been met due to implementation issues.

Challenges include problems like acquiring land for roads, limited local government resources, natural disasters, project management issues, and political interference. To tackle these issues, the authors suggest passing laws to set guidelines for planning and prioritizing projects, alongside a long-term transportation strategy.

Navarro and Latigar also pointed out new problems caused by the pandemic, such as disruptions in the supply chain for materials and labor, and delays in projects due to funds being held back. Their call for reform and faster legislative processes highlights the urgency of addressing these issues.

According to the World Economic Forum’s 2019 Global Competitiveness Report, our country lags behind most Asian nations in infrastructure competitiveness, ranking 96th out of 141 economies. This low ranking stresses the need for quick and effective measures to improve our transportation systems.

When it comes to roads, the PDP aimed to make our primary roads smoother by 2022, but the latest survey showed no improvement. The average roughness actually got worse.

Rail transport also faces criticism for unsafe platforms, delayed trains, and sudden cancellations. Issues like trash on tracks and derailments cause delays. Despite some recent efforts, the study notes that there’s a lot more work needed to make significant progress.

The authors emphasize the importance of empowering local governments, especially after a Supreme Court ruling expanded their role. They suggest that local leaders plan for transit-oriented development, thinking about long-term needs and setting goals in planning documents.

Fast-tracking the completion of local roads databases is crucial for accurate information to guide national support and prioritize areas in need. The authors also recommend learning from other countries to improve our urban rail transport systems and better handle pandemics.

This study, titled “Road and Rail Transport Infrastructure in the Philippines: Current State, Issues, and Challenges,” is a wake-up call. We urgently need coordinated efforts from policymakers and citizens to create a more reliable transportation system, boosting our economy and improving our quality of life.◼