Tugade meets Japan Minister of State for Science and Technology Naokazu

January 7, 2020

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade met with Japanese Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy Takemoto Naokazu Tuesday.

During the meeting, Tugade presented updates on the transport infrastructure projects and programs of the Department of Transportation (DOTr ) in the railways, aviation, maritime and road sectors.

Aside from the ongoing progress of infrastructure projects, Tugade also shared the department’s programs and initiatives in pushing for the modernization of the transportation sector. 

These include the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), where the PUV units must be compliant and road-worthy.

Modernization of ships and motorbancas from wooden-hull to steel-hull were also discussed, as well as intensified security at sea through the use of modern technology, and the radars donated by the Japanese government.

Tugade also highlighted the establishment of the first-ever Philippine Railways Institute (PRI), which will serve as the research and training center for employees of the railways sector, as well as mentioning the first batch of PRI personnel who were sent to Japan for a seven-day training to learn the railway operations and management.

When asked if there are any technology-based system in transactional processes at the DOTr, Tugade emphasized the importance of incorporating technological advancements in the processes and services of the department, such as the e-payment, e-ticketing system, and cashless transactions.

He also mentioned the implementation of a single card which can be used at different train systems and shuttle buses.

Tugade expressed his desire for the processes and services to be technology-based, with an aim to make system easier, faster, and more convenient to the public.

"If we want to develop and we want to grow, we must innovate. Innovation for me is very much necessary,'  Tugade said. DMS