Improved public transportation enhances quality of life

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Mar 25, 2025 02:32 PM

  

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In a decisive move to overhaul the Philippines’ transportation sector, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon has implemented a series of reforms aimed at enhancing mass transit systems and restoring public trust. His initiatives—including the affirmation of the EDSA Busway’s importance, the consideration of extended operating hours for Metro Rail Transit (MRT) lines, and the swift dismissal of personnel involved in the recent ‘tanim-bala’ incident—underscore a commitment to efficient, reliable, and safe public transportation. 

The EDSA Busway has become an integral part of Metro Manila’s daily commute, serving millions of passengers annually. Despite discussions about its potential removal, Secretary Dizon has firmly defended its necessity. He emphasized that eliminating the bus way is not an option, especially given the current insufficiency in mass transit options. Instead, the focus is on improving and upgrading the existing infrastructure to ensure smoother travel for commuters. 

Plans are underway to enhance the EDSA Busway by replicating successful models from stations like North EDSA and Ortigas, which feature dedicated concourses donated by the private sector. Construction is anticipated to begin in the latter half of the year, with operations expected to commence next year.  These upgrades aim to provide a more efficient and comfortable commuting experience, reflecting the administration’s commitment to continuous improvement.

Recognizing the evolving needs of commuters, has directed that the MRT 3 extend the MRT 3’s operations by one hour and to deploy more trains during peak hours. This initiative addresses concerns from passengers, particularly those working late hours, who find the current 10 p.m. last trip limiting.
In a move to uphold integrity and passenger safety, Secretary Dizon acted swiftly in response to a recent ‘tanim-bala’ (bullet-planting) incident at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). A 69-year-old passenger reported that security personnel allegedly planted a bullet casing in her luggage, reminiscent of past scams that have tarnished the airport’s reputation. The DOTr responded by terminating three employees from the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) involved in the incident.  This decisive action signals a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and malpractice, aiming to restore public confidence in airport security protocols.

Secretary Dizon’s proactive measures reflect a broader vision for the Philippines’ transportation infrastructure: one that prioritizes efficiency, accessibility, and public trust. By prioritizing essential services like the EDSA Busway, extending MRT 3 operating hours and increasing fleet deployment, and enforcing strict accountability among transportation personnel, the DOTr is exemplifying responsive and responsible governance. 

Beyond making administrative adjustments, these forward-looking initiatives hold the promise of transforming daily commutes, reducing congestion, and promoting a culture of integrity within the transportation sector.

Secretary Dizon’s recent actions exemplify a commitment to addressing both the systemic challenges and immediate concerns within the Philippines’ transportation landscape. Through strategic infrastructure improvements and unwavering accountability measures, the DOTr is paving the way for a more efficient and trustworthy public transit system, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for millions of Filipinos.

MOVIEGOER: ‘Sinagtala’ for inspiration

 BY NESTOR CUARTERO

Mar 27, 2025 00:38 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Mike Sandejas made his mark as a filmmaker through his films, "Tulad Ng Dati" (2006) and "Dinig Sana Kita" (2009), both of which won awards at Cinemalaya.

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The cast of 'Sinagtala'

Sinagtala" may not pass off as the title of a commercial film, one that could easily draw in droves of people into a movie house. For one, whoever mentions that word again in conversations these days, when the young are more focused on creating, inventing their own lingua franca, so far detached from the rules of language as we know it?

Yet, movie production company Sinagtala has boldly adopted the ancient word as headliner of its first film offering. The film’s creative staff led by its director, Mike Sandejas, has smartly baptized a bunch of young musicians collectively as the Sinagtala band.  For lack of a better interpretation, do I take it that the English translation of sinagtala could be moonbeam, although moon is hardly in reference here?

"Sinagtala" is not exactly a movie musical in the strict sense, although Sandejas says 30 per cent of the movie is made up of musical numbers. It tells the intertwined stories of five band members, played by Rhian Ramos, Glaiza de Castro, Arci Muñoz, Rayver Cruz and Matt Lozano, each one dealing with his own demons and picking up life lessons in the process. 

The individual stories are tied together by intermittent band performances, creating a pastiche that is often tear-jerking or funny, nonetheless dramatic enough to move the viewer to reflect on his own journey.

To top it all, the character who dies, Glaiza de Castro, serves as the film’s conscience and unifier. Some may call her part as preachy, yet, what she’s sharing are actually words of wisdom straight out of Harold J. Sala. If only the script allowed the actor to break the routine and inject more humor into the lesson plan.

As a whole, the film is technically well done by Sandejas---crisp editing, clear and versatile   cinematography. Sandejas has not made a film for about 10 years. His inactivity during all these years have probably made him a hungry artist, just like the characters in the film desperately trying to reunite as a band after having disbanded.

As for the performing parts, credit goes to the cast, who are not exactly known as singers per se, but who manage to pull off commendable performances. In fairness, all of them have a side to them that sings or composes or plays with bands or have a family history in music.      

Mike Sandejas made his mark as a filmmaker through his films, "Tulad Ng Dati" (2006) and "Dinig Sana Kita" (2009), both of which won awards at Cinemalaya.

"Sinagtala," produced by Sinagtala Productions, opens in cinemas on April 2.

GIVING WHILE LIVING

Philanthropy is a very interesting topic. Philanthropy comes from the Greek "philein" (to love) and "anthropos" (man) and means a desire to help mankind, especially as shown by gifts to charitable institutions.

Giving While Living is an entrepreneurial approach to philanthropy by which you actively devote your money, skills and time to make a difference sooner rather than later. You can learn and make adjustments to get the biggest bang–and impact–for your buck. Give smart. Give now.

One of the Bible's books of poetry, the Proverbs really offers advice on every imaginable area of life. The style of wise living described here leads to a fulfilled life. Proverbs 28:27 say:"He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses!"

In view of a feature in an old issue of the magazine "The Economist" I learned that Andrew Carnegie ("The King of Steel'', 1835-1919) would surely have approved of Lord David Sainsbury. The supermarket tycoon turned politician was one of Great Britain's richest men. It was reported that he not only intended to give away at least $ 1.83 billion during his lifetime, but to insist that this charitable foundation spent both its income and capital before he passed away.

Few rich donors have yet gone this far. But Lord Sainsbury's decision was part of a broad trend among a new generation of philanthropists to play an active role in seeing that their money is very well spent. Such efforts should be applauded. In his great 1889 essay on wealth, Carnegie, who gave away about $7 billion in today's money - argued that the rich had the duty to use most of their money to benefit the community, and should do so actively during their lifetime. Let's look around if we can still find such donors and patrons in our daily life.

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