With US President Joe Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meeting to discuss the future between the two nations, all eyes wanted to see if this would bear fruit. We’ve seen quite a lot of documentation on what’s been discussed, but one of the most notable is the US commitment to improve transport systems in the PH. Here’s what you need to know.

Mobility is a pressing concern we face as Filipinos on a day-to-day basis. If you’re fortunate enough to own a private car, you still have to traverse the perils of hellish traffic. Commuters aren’t spared from this either – and our public transport systems could use a ton of improvement. The government has made moves to alleviate these issues by developing projects such as the Subway and the Jeepney Modernization efforts, but these aren’t fully implemented just yet.

That’s why the US has offered to bolster PH transport systems by injecting a healthy $3 B (PHP 165B) investment into the cause. The US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) goal is to support the construction of high-performing railways, ports, transport systems, and other methods of mobility for the average Filipino.

“Additionally, over the course of 2023, USTDA (U.S. Trade and Development Agency) will launch new sustainable infrastructure activities intended to leverage over $3 billion in public and private financing.”

Besides improvements to PH transport systems, the US also aims to supplement the country’s smart grid technologies, clean energy solutions, healthcare infrastructure, 5G connectivity, and airport security. These are all areas that the country admittedly could use further support in, which is why hearing it from undoubtedly still the most powerful nation in the world is still a reassuring gesture.

More unconventional but still useful collaborations were discussed, encompassing fields such as air connectivity, aviation, and space-based technology for both environmental and national security purposes. Whichever way you put it, this US investment should go a long way in enhancing PH transport systems which should improve quality of life for all Filipinos. Less time wasted in traffic means more time for everything else!