ANGELES CITY, Philippines – Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. welcomed the appointment of Vince Dizon as Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), saying it will drive the continued development of key transport infrastructure projects across the country.
Lazatin pointed to the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) system as one of the flagship projects that would benefit from Dizon’s leadership. The railway will connect Clark International Airport and the City of San Fernando to Metro Manila, extending as far as Calamba, Laguna.
Once completed, the NSCR will feature 35 stations, including stops in Clark and the historic San Fernando train station. The system will also have 464 train cars and three depots, improving mobility and accessibility for commuters.
Lazatin expressed confidence that Dizon, who previously led the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), will expedite the project’s completion, further increasing passenger traffic at Clark International Airport. In 2024, the airport handled around 2.4 million passengers across 19,221 local and international flights.
“With Secretary Dizon at the helm of DOTr, we can expect more transport infrastructure developments that will enhance the country’s appeal to local and foreign investors,” Lazatin said.
He emphasized that efficient transport systems play a crucial role in economic growth, making the country more attractive for investments.
Dizon served as President and CEO of BCDA under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.