MANILA: Flagship mass transportation projects are expected to boost tourism in the country, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista said Friday. During the Travel Madness Expo 2024 in Pasay City, Bautista expressed confidence that there will be more tourist arrivals based on a 'robust transport sector.' 'Improving and modernizing our transport systems will be crucial at ensuring tourists enjoy their vacations that start with travel to and from their homes,' he said. Bautista cited aviation projects such as the modernization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Laguindingan, and Bohol-Panglao Airports as well as the construction of the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan. For road transport, he said projects such as the PUV modernization program, expansion of the country's bike lanes, and the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) Busway greatly ease the mass transport experience. To date, several rail projects are also in 'full blast' such as the North-South Commute r Railway and the Metro Manila Subway. Other projects such as the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension, the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7), and the rehabilitation and maintenance of the MRT-3 are also ongoing. The DOTr and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) have also completed several port projects with more on the way such as the development of the Babatngon Port in Leyte into a regional transshipment hub and the improvement of Jose Panganiban Port in Camarines Norte. Source: Philippines News Agency