Since taking the helm of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in February 2025, Secretary Vince Dizon has brought a refreshing sense of urgency to an agency long plagued by delays and public frustration. His hands-on leadership style and decisive actions have begun transforming Philippine mobility, earning him recognition as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s go-to problem solver.
Swift reforms address long-standing issues
Dizon inherited a department facing familiar challenges: stalled infrastructure projects, frustrated commuters, and ongoing disputes over transport modernization. His response was immediate and practical. Rather than proceed with the widely criticized mandatory cashless toll collection system—seen by many as burdensome to low-income families—he suspended the program, showing awareness of ground-level concerns.
The EDSA Busway, a critical artery for Metro Manila commuters, not only remained operational under his watch but was actually improved. During Holy Week 2025, Dizon made unannounced visits to airports and terminals, personally overseeing operations to prevent the bottlenecks and long queues that typically plague peak travel periods.
Accelerating ‘Build Better More’ Infrastructure
Under Dizon’s leadership, the government’s Build Better More program has gained significant momentum. Following President Marcos’ directive to eliminate excuses for project delays, the DOTr has adopted a comprehensive approach to tackle persistent issues like right-of-way disputes.
The 2024 infrastructure budget allocated ₱214.3 billion to transportation projects—nearly double the previous year’s funding. More than 76% of this went to high-impact rail projects, particularly the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and Metro Manila Subway Phase I, designed to connect regional hubs and ease the capital’s notorious traffic congestion.
In Cebu, the Bus Rapid Transit project has been fast-tracked, promising to transform the city’s transportation landscape. Similar initiatives in Davao and additional EDSA improvements are also moving forward, reflecting a nationwide push for modern urban transit systems.
Aviation and Maritime breakthroughs
Airport modernization efforts have accelerated under Dizon’s tenure. Upgrades to Ninoy Aquino International Airport and major regional terminals in Kalibo, Laoag, Bohol, and Zamboanga are proceeding on schedule, expanding capacity while improving safety standards crucial for tourism and trade.
When logistical crises struck—such as load restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge—Dizon responded quickly. He fast-tracked the opening of Amandayehan Port in Samar, ensuring goods and fuel could continue flowing between Leyte and Samar without disruption. These decisive moves have positioned the DOTr as a crisis-ready agency capable of swift problem-solving.
Balancing progress with social responsibility
Perhaps nowhere is Dizon’s pragmatic approach more evident than in his handling of the contentious Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. Instead of rigid enforcement, he established a Special Committee to review and adjust the program, engaging directly with drivers to find solutions that advance modernization while addressing concerns about displaced workers.
A symbolic yet significant achievement is the revival of the iconic “Love Bus”—the Philippines’ first fully air-conditioned public buses from the 1970s. Announced by President Marcos in his July 2025 State of the Nation Address, the modernized Love Bus will return as a free ride program. The DOTr plans pilot testing in Cebu City and Davao City before year-end, with expansion to other Visayas and Mindanao cities to follow.
Complementing these services, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) now accepts all Mastercard and Visa debit and credit cards, and QR payments, making public transport more convenient and reducing dependence on cash transactions—a significant step toward digital transformation in mass transit.
Putting commuters first
Throughout these initiatives, Dizon has maintained a clear philosophy: transport reforms should prioritize commuter convenience, comfort, and safety over mere technical achievements. His focus on high-capacity mass transit and pedestrian infrastructure aims to “give back time to commuters” while creating more walkable, accessible cities.
This approach aligns with the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan (2023-2028), which balances safety improvements with modernization goals in national planning.
Transparency and accountability
The DOTr under Dizon has also embraced greater transparency. For the first time, comprehensive ridership data and performance metrics are being published regularly, with audit reports and progress updates mapped against Philippine Development Plan objectives. This openness marks a departure from the opacity that once characterized the agency.
Looking forward
In less than a year, Dizon’s DOTr has achieved what many thought impossible: revitalizing stalled projects, modernizing key infrastructure, managing crises effectively, and taking a more consultative approach to reforms. By combining rapid action with social awareness and embracing both heritage revival and technological advancement, Dizon has begun reshaping the narrative around Philippine transportation—from one of chronic delays to emerging momentum and renewed hope.
The road ahead remains challenging, but the early indicators suggest Philippine transportation is finally moving in the right direction.
