Press Releases

Manila, Philippines – September 12, 2025 – The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) in partnership with Team Sweden, successfully concluded the 2025 Transportation Forum held at The Westin Manila, Ortigas Center.

Under the theme “Connecting the Philippines: Sustainable Transport, Safer Lives,” the forum discussed pressing challenges and opportunities facing the country’s transportation system amidst rapid urbanization, increasing demand for mobility, and the global push for decarbonization.

The event featured high-level dialogues, panel discussions, and breakout sessions that explored innovative approaches to creating a more efficient, safe, and sustainable transport ecosystem. Participants engaged in productive discussions through three compelling sessions:

• Session 1: From Planning to Pavement: Ensuring Safer Roads Through Strategic Infrastructure Development

• Session 2: Smart and Safer Vehicles: Driving Innovation in Transport

• Session 3: Greening The Roads: Accelerating the Transition to Sustainable Mass Transport

Throughout the day, speakers called for deeper collaboration between the government and private sector on areas such as: education of drivers, advancement of vehicle safety technologies, integration of smart transport infrastructure, and implementation of sustainable transport policies.

The forum began with Welcome Remarks from ECCP President Paulo Duarte, who underscored the vital role of the transportation sector in the Philippine economy.

He shared, “The transportation sector is the backbone of the Philippine economy. It connects our islands, links businesses to markets, and provides millions of Filipinos with access to jobs, education, and essential services. Yet challenges remain. Every year, more than 12,000 lives are lost in road crashes — with motorcyclists and young Filipinos most at risk.” 

Mr. Duarte noted that the economic toll is also heavy, amounting to around ₱105 billion annually in medical costs, lost productivity, and property damage. At the same time, the country's road and rail infrastructure continues to struggle to keep pace with growing demand, while limited public transport options restrict mobility and hinder economic growth. However, he emphasized that the Forum is not only about highlighting these challenges, but also about exploring opportunities, fostering innovation, and encouraging collaboration. 

Mr. Duarte highlighted ECCP’s recommendations to expand the number of Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (MVICs), broaden the implementation of the Child Car Seat Law, require Electronic Stability Control for passenger cars and Anti-Lock Braking Systems for motorcycles; and to promote dashboard camera installation and review car tint restrictions for both public and private vehicles to improve visibility and safety.

From Team Sweden’s end, H.E. Anna Ferry, Ambassador at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden in Manila, shared Opening Remarks as well. She highlighted Sweden’s pioneering road safety initiative, Vision Zero – a policy framework that has halved road fatalities in Sweden since its adoption in 1997.

“All lives matter. The goal of Vision Zero is to have zero fatalities or seriously injured from road accidents. Vision Zero is not just a transport policy, it’s a shared responsibility across sectors. Road safety is embedded in health, urban development, education including behavioral change, and enforcement frameworks. That systemic approach is crucial for diminishing the staggering number of fatalities and injured ,” Ambassador Ferry said during the panel.

Furthermore, she cited Sweden’s support for the EDSA Busway Project and ongoing collaboration with the Philippine government through Swedfund, including studies to improve bus standards and reduce carbon emissions.

Building Safer Roads: Government Strategies for Road Transport and Infrastructure Development

Hon. Mark Steven C. Pastor, Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), delivered a keynote speech on Government Strategies for Road Transport and Infrastructure Development. 

He outlined several key initiatives aimed at modernizing and improving the country’s transport systems. These include the EDSA Busway Project, the Active Transportation Program, the Taguig City Integrated Terminal Exchange, Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT), Davao Public Transport Modernization Program, and the Love Bus Service Contracting Program. 

“All of these projects of the DOTr Road Transport and Infrastructure (is) part of our commitment to the public building of infrastructure developments that are not only physical, but also transformative, from a car-centric approach, we aim to see a reformed public transport system that is inclusive, efficient, and responsive to the needs of every Filipino commuter.”

He shared that these programs reflect the DOTr’s commitment to developing infrastructure that goes beyond physical construction to deliver lasting, transformative change.

New Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030

Hon. Jean Henri Todt, Special Envoy for Road Safety at the United Nations, delivered a keynote speech titled “New Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030”. He emphasized the urgent and often overlooked crisis of road fatalities. 

“Globally, road deaths are nearly 10 times higher than war deaths — two deaths per minute, 1.2 million deaths per year. It is the world’s leading killer of children and youth from 5 to 29 years old.” 

Furthermore, he stressed that governments must take the lead with comprehensive strategies, strong policies, enforceable laws, and coordinated action.

Todt contrasted two possible futures: one marked by continued death, lost potential, and societal strain; the other defined by safe streets, healthier urban environments, stronger communities, and shared prosperity.

Private Sector Insights on Innovations for Advancing Safer Vehicles

Mr. Thomas Lich, Senior Expert & Head Accident Research, Corporate Research, Advanced Vehicle Systems at Bosch Corporation Germany, delivered a presentation on  Innovations for Advancing Safer Vehicles. 

Mr. Lich highlighted the importance of consistency in vehicle performance, proper maintenance, strategic planning, and productivity-driven initiatives. He emphasized that partnerships play a crucial role in achieving road safety goals, especially in rapidly evolving and complex environments. “It supports thorough follow up of equal performance, maintenance, planning and productivity boosting efforts, and something that I want to stress a lot, and I think that's very relevant in any country, and of course, in the Philippines.”

Acknowledging the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of today’s world, Lich underlined the importance of choosing the right areas and collaborators to focus efforts. “We have to choose where to be strong. We have to choose the right partners in order to be strong in the right areas. So we emphasize collaboration. And of course, in the Philippines, there are partnerships between LGUs, national agencies and private firms that are key to success.”

Private Sector Insights on Advancing Smart Mass Transportation Systems in the Philippines 

In his presentation titled Advancing Smart Mass Transportation Systems, Mr. Mats Nilsson, Vice President of Volvo Buses for the Asia Pacific Region, underscored the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable and effective transportation solutions. 

He stated, “Once again, we cannot act alone. Only together can we be stronger with our customers and partners and authorities and academia and so on.” Highlighting the need for long-term thinking, he reminded the audience, “We're not inheriting the world from our ancestors. We're borrowing the world from the future generations. I think it's something that we have to keep in mind very much.” 

His message reinforced the private sector’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and shared responsibility in shaping the future of mobility.

Rail Infrastructure Developments in the Philippines

Asec. Eduardo Danilo F. Macabulos, Assistant Secretary for Railways at Department of Transportation, highlighted the critical role of railways in addressing the country’s mass transport needs. Speaking on the topic of rail infrastructure developments in the Philippines, he emphasized that when it comes to high-capacity mass transport solutions, “there is simply nothing more efficient than railways.”

Beyond efficiency, he pointed out the environmental advantages of railways, noting that they produce five times less carbon emissions per passenger compared to diesel and petrol-powered vehicles.

Updates on the Philippine Electric Vehicle (EV) Industry

Dir. Patrick Aquino, Director IV of the Energy Utilization Management Bureau of the Department of Energy (DOE), shared encouraging developments in the country’s EV sector. 

He noted a significant rise in the number of electric vehicles, highlighting recent data from the Land Transportation Office (LTO). “The good news is, through the first seven months of the year, this has already increased, again, based on working numbers coming from the LTO, it's now up to 29,715… We just wanted to show you likewise, that the sales are also picking up, at least for the last two years.” 

He also clarified the Department’s regulatory approach moving forward, emphasizing collaboration and flexibility. “Again, this would be subject to public consultation, and we will be opening it up, of course, to alternative compliance mechanisms. After all, the direction on the part of the Department of Energy is for compliance to the issuance, not the imposition of fines.”

Data-Driven Safety: How Real-Time Monitoring Transforms Transport Systems

Engr. Chris Evert Flores, Sales Engineer at Axis Communications, highlighted the vital role of technology in enhancing transport safety and efficiency. He emphasized how integrating various systems can lead to significant improvements across public transport operations. 

“Open integrations, collaborations and inter-operability from video surveillance and also different network devices, plays a role in improving public transport for safety, security operations and also passenger services.” 

By leveraging real-time data and fostering cross-platform compatibility, transport systems can become smarter, more secure, and more responsive to both operational needs and passenger experience.

Private Sector Insights on EV Charging Ecosystem/Battery Technology and Recycling

Ms. Carla Buencamino, Head of Mobility Infrastructure at ACMobility, discussed the company’s ongoing efforts to expand the electric vehicle charging network across the Philippines. 

She shared ACMobility’s commitment to making EV travel more accessible and convenient, stating, "Today, we (AC Mobility) openly shares that we have 700 as a target towards the end of the year. Right now, we're about 300 already charge points that we have deployed, and we are on track to this commitment. And also one of our goals, really is to be able to drive our EVs from north to south. So for the Filipinos here, that's Pagudpod to Pagadian in one big, long trip." 

Her remarks underscored the private sector’s role in building a reliable charging ecosystem to support the country’s transition to sustainable transportation.

Policies and Programs for Sustainable Road Transport

Hon. Ramon G. Reyes, Undersecretary for Road Transport and Non-Infrastructure at the Department of Transportation, attended the forum to discuss the DOTr’s ongoing commitment to modernizing and improving road transport through innovation and collaboration. 

Usec. Reyes highlighted the importance of digital transformation in making transport systems more efficient, safe, and commuter-friendly. “We are committed to digital transformation in transport, using technology to streamline licensing, strengthen monitoring and provide commuters and operators with real time information for safer and more efficient journeys.” 

In addition, he underscored that meaningful transformation cannot be achieved by government alone. It requires strong collaboration with the private sector, development partners, local governments, and citizens.

At the conclusion of the event, Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Gomez Ejercito, shared the Closing Keynote, underscoring the crucial role of sustained investment in transportation and infrastructure.

He emphasized the persistent efforts made during budget deliberations to secure increased funding for railway systems and transport infrastructure, highlighting their direct impact on the daily lives of Filipinos. “Every budget season, we fight for the same thing, such as a higher budget for railways and transportation infrastructures, as emphasized earlier, every decision, every investment, every project, impacts real lives.” 

Senator Ejercito also pointed to structural issues hindering the country’s competitiveness, particularly in attracting foreign direct investment. “Probably one of the reasons that the Philippines ranks behind in terms of foreign direct investments are two things, high cost of energy and poor infrastructure.” 

He noted that for many years, the country has allocated only about 2% of its gross domestic product to infrastructure — significantly lower than what other nations have invested — calling for stronger commitment and prioritization moving forward. 

The event reaffirmed ECCP’s commitment to advocate for a safer, more inclusive, and more sustainable transport future for the Philippines.

Bosch, Volvo, Axis Communications, Ayala Corporation, and ACMobility joined the 2025 Transportation Forum as Co-Presenters, affirming their shared commitment to advancing sustainable, safe, and innovative transport solutions in the Philippines. Through their active participation, these industry leaders underscore the vital role of private sector collaboration in driving the modernization of the country’s mobility landscape.

The forum is also supported by a strong network of Advocacy Partners, including AutoHub Group, Royal Cargo, Republic Cement, Michelin, and Stratcon Philippines. 

This forum is supported by Media Partners – Carmudi Philippines, Port Calls, and The Manila Times, ensuring coverage and engagement across multiple platforms.

For official photos, please visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCtP9T