-Promoting pocket open skies for Clark / Increasing bilateral air talks
-Expanding the RORO Network  
-Reducing transport cost
-Masterplan of Subic-Clark-Batangas Corridor as Luzon Intermodal Logistics Corridor
-Seeding Public-Private Partnership (PPP) 

1.  Air Transportation Policy Liberalization

- Successfully concluded bilateral air services agreements with the following countries in 2009:

- RP to sign with ASEAN countries in April 2010.

2. Expansion of RORO Network

Eastern Nautical Highway was inaugurated in 2009.  All 3 major trunk lines – western, central and eastern – are now established.

 - The island province of Masbate is now reaping the benefits of the RORO connection with Cebu.
 - The island province of Camiguin is likewise benefitting from its connections with Bohol and Misamis Oriental

The recent sea tragedies involving RORO ships do not diminish the impact of the RORO system .  What is needed today is for the proper authorities to ensure that our RORO ships  are seaworthy – i.e., safe and secure, manned by qualified and competent crew/seafarers.

3. Reducing Transport Cost

 - 50% reduction of export wharfage fees for containerized cargoes by PPA .  The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) followed suit.

 - Sought clarification from Intra Asia Discussion Agreement, in coordination with the Association of International Shipping Lines (AISL) the components of the Terminal Handling Cost (THC). Proposals for the unbundling of cost through negotiations with IADA underway.

 - Currently working with AISL and Port Users Confederation on the reduction of shipping related costs: Bill of Lading, Container Deposit, and Cleaning Fee

 - Currently advocating to eliminate the overtime charges by making  Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine services regular  24 x 7 operations in all international ports

3. Reducing Transport Cost

 - Currently pursuing initiatives to rationalize existing taxation structures on RP Aviation Industry (work with Court of Tax Appeals re ruling on application of zero-rated VAT for airline industry per NIRC, and legislative amendments for Gross Philippine Billing Tax (GBT))

 - Requested the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to grant discounts on several fees (landing & takeoff, office rentals, and check-in counters) and assessment of airlines based on multiple Maximum Takeoff Weight – Sectoral vs. maximum  structural Takeoff Weight, as support measure for impacts of global financial crisis.

 - Requested DPWH to fast-track the completion of Loakan and Kennon Roads to facilitate exports from Baguio Export Processing Zone (BEPZ)

4. Promoting Luzon logistics hub
  
 - Thought Leaders’ Forum conducted last April 17, 2009 re Logistics Infrastructure for Mega Luzon “A Masterplan Approach”. Following are highlights:
      - Development Direction: Promote Philippines as an “intermodal hub”
      - Improvement in logistics infrastructure needed
      - Use of scientific project management tool techniques to ensure the effectiveness of projects,
        and their completion within given timeframes
      - Collaborative approach in public-private partnership& need for innovative non traditional appraoches

 - Defined the preliminary concept for the development of the Logistics Hub Masterplan

 - TOR is being finalized by the NCC Infra Working Group, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation & Communication (DOTC) and Subic Clark Alliance Development Corporation (SCADC) re Procurement of Consultancy Services for the preparation of the Masterplan