DOTr signs transport research partnership with Baguio LGU

MANILA: A partnership agreement for transportation research was inked by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the local government of Baguio City on Friday.

During the signing of the memorandum of arrangement (MOA) in Baguio City, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista stated that the initiative aims to promote low-carbon transport research and innovation across the country.

“The DOTr is pursuing research-based solutions, evidence-based policies, and continuous improvement of the department’s monitoring schemes to improve projects,” he said.

Under the terms of the MOA, the DOTr and the local government of Baguio City will collaborate on research and innovation projects that may be adopted nationwide.

Baguio City will receive technical assistance in the transport industry in order to explore and implement projects that promote sustainable mobility.

The DOTr will also work in partnership with other relevant national governmental agencies to carry out low-carbon transport projects and programs.

“(The agreement) shall become a proof-of-concept collaboration between national government agency, local government unit, and the academe,” Bautista stated.

He said that the project's ultimate goal is to inspire other local government units to launch low-carbon transport projects and improve the public transport system.

Academic institutions will play an important role in the establishment of these policies and programs, according to DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor.

“Through this partnership, we aim to pursue research-based solutions and evidence-based policies for the continuous improvement of the DOTr’s monitoring schemes to improve its existing and future projects,” Pastor stated.

Saint Louis University, the University of Baguio, and the University of the Cordilleras are also signatories of the MOA.

Photo from Philippine News Agency

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