DOTr’s Dizon Aims for Upgrades at Siargao Airport

DOTr’s Dizon Aims for Upgrades at Siargao Airport


The Transportation Secretary, Vince Dizon, has mandated various modifications at Siargao Airport aimed at improving the aviation journey for travelers heading to one of the nation’s premier vacation spots.

Dizon, who conducted an inspection of crucial airport improvement initiatives in Mindanao during the weekend, ordered a modular extension at Siargao Airport to boost seating capacity and tackle overcrowding issues. Additionally, he mandated the dismantling of the VIP lounge along with surplus X-ray equipment to streamline the security screening procedure.

According to videos uploaded by Joseph Morong of GMA Integrated News on X (previously known as Twitter), Dizon appeared unhappy with the troubles faced by travelers at an airport processing about 17 daily flights.

“Extreme is the difficulty our countrymen and tourists face here. It’s incredibly cramped and hot! I removed this VIP lounge as it wasn’t necessary; instead, we can use this area to create more space for passengers even just a little bit,” Dizon stated.

(The local travelers and tourists here are struggling. The airport is extremely congested and stuffy! I instructed that this VIP lounge should be taken down as it is unnecessary and could provide more space for the passengers.)

As per the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Siargao Airport was among the provincial airports examined by the Secretary during inspections conducted on March 22-23, together with Zamboanga International Airport and Camiguin Airport.

“Seeing the immediate need for more spaces inside the terminal building for the passengers, Sec. Dizon instructed CAAP to immediately implement expansion works for the terminal building that will effectively triple the current seating capacity of the airport,” the agency said.

“He also ordered the Office for Transportation Security to eliminate the initial passenger security screenings immediately following a thorough security risk evaluation,” the statement continued.

The Department of Transportation announced that the expansion project for Siargao Airport is scheduled to finish by May 2025, providing advantages for residents as well as visitors.

Dizon further emphasized the DOTr’s objective to transform Siargao Airport into an international gateway over the long term and instructed CAAP to expedite the planning process for lengthening the runway as well as constructing a modern and top-tier passenger terminal.

“We will prioritize the development and promotion of the Siargao Airport as an international gateway highlighting the significant importance of Siargao Island, which is considered one of the top tourist destinations in the entire country,” the DOTr chief further stated.

(We will focus on the expansion and enhancement of Siargao Airport as an international gateway that shows the growing importance of Siargao Island which is considered one of the top tourist destinations in the country.)

— Giselle Ombay/RSJ, GMA Integrated News

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DOTr’s Dizon calls for enhancements at Siargao Airport
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Malaysia Takes Green Light on £9 Billion Lower Thames Crossing Project

Malaysia Takes Green Light on £9 Billion Lower Thames Crossing Project

Proposals for a £9 billion road tunnel connecting Kent and Essex have officially received governmental approval.

The much-discussed Lower Thames Crossing, featuring a 14.5-mile roadway with a 2.6-mile tunnel under the River Thames, received development consent from Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander on Tuesday morning, as stated by the Planning Inspectorate.

The work on the project has been continuing since 2009, having consumed more than £1 billion of public funds. The efforts have faced numerous delays and controversies from start to finish.

The objective of the Lower Thames Crossing project is to ease the congestion at the Dartford Crossing by developing a new motorway-standard route.

This connection between the A2 and M2 in Kent with the A13 and M25 in Essex would occur through what could become Britain’s longest road tunnel.

It is anticipated that this could almost double road capacity across the Thames east of
London
.

National Highways said the government is ‘currently exploring private finance options for the project’.

The construction might begin next year, with the anticipation of the new road opening in the early 2030s.



This route aims to ease traffic on the orbital M25, connecting with it close to South Ockenden in Essex. Additionally, it will link up with the M2 near Rochester in Kent.

Matt Palmer, who serves as the national highways executive director for the Lower Thames Crossing project, referred to it as “one of the most significant infrastructure initiatives in the United Kingdom.”

He said: ‘It will unlock growth with quicker, safer and more reliable journeys, and redraw the blueprint for building major projects in a net-zero future by scaling up the use of low-carbon construction, and leaving a legacy of green spaces, green skills.

‘Ours plans were crafted based on input from the local community and then fine-tuned through thorough scrutiny conducted by impartial specialists.’

Mr Palmer stated that National Highways is dedicated to ‘collaborating with our neighbors’ to construct the crossing in a manner that provides them ‘chances to work and acquire new abilities while minimizing negative effects.’

“We are prepared for immediate action and have secured our delivery partners. Today’s decision enables us to collaborate with the government on securing funds and begin thorough planning, which will allow us to commence construction at the earliest opportunity,” he stated.

David Wells, CEO of the trade association Logistics UK, stated that the announcement came as welcome news for businesses nationwide “held back by bottlenecks when navigating the Thames,” he commented positively.

‘The industry stands unified in its support for this crucial trade route,’ stated Mr Wells.

Jim Dickson, the Labour Member of Parliament for Dartford, stated that his constituency has been plagued by ‘constant traffic jams’ due to former administrations ‘avoiding’ the choice regarding the Lower Thames Crossing.

“This choice will unleash economic expansion throughout the nation and at last provide a resolution to the traffic turmoil confronted by my constituents every day,” he stated.

The Thurrock Council in Essex has persistently objected to the initiative, highlighting adverse effects on economics, society, and the environment. However, the head of Dartford Borough Council in Kent supports the plan.

Local activists from the Thames Crossing Action Group assert it would be ‘extremely damaging and detrimental,’ and an unnecessary expenditure of funds.

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Ready for a Speed Check? AWAS Point-to-Point Camera Trial Set to Launch in June in Malaysia

Ready for a Speed Check? AWAS Point-to-Point Camera Trial Set to Launch in June in Malaysia

The authorities will commence the trial of the new Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS) this June. This innovative system will employ a novel approach to replace the current methods used for detecting speeding infractions.

AWAS trial routes

The dates and locations of the trials were disclosed by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Transport, Jana Santhiran. The authorities have already set up the new AWAS camera system.
different places throughout the nation
The forthcoming trials will encompass just two highway routes.

One option could be from the Genting Sempah tunnel all the way to the Gombak Rest & Recreation area along the KL-Karak Expressway. Additionally, they intend to trial this system on the stretch connecting the Senawang toll plaza with the Simpang Ampat toll plaza on the North-South Expressway.

AWAS versus AES – what are the distinctions between them?

AWAS is using
the Ekin Spotter cameras
which
substituted the outdated Redflex Traffic Systems cameras with new ones
those utilized for the preceding one
Automated Enforcement System
(AES). The module-based camera can detect speeds of up to 320 km/h along with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.

Rather than recording the velocity of vehicles as they pass by, AWAS is implementing the point-to-point approach which measures the duration taken for a vehicle to arrive at its designated endpoint relative to the established speed limits along the route. Consequently, simply reducing your pace near traditional speed monitoring cameras won’t prevent you from being detected.

Consider this situation: You are meant to get to a specific toll plaza from location A within 30 minutes, assuming a speed limit of 110 km/h. However, you manage to reach the plaza in just 20 minutes. This indicates that you exceeded the speed limit, potentially getting captured by AWAS in the process.

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SOURCE
]

Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line Named Among World’s Greatest Places for 2025 by TIME Magazine

Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line Named Among World’s Greatest Places for 2025 by TIME Magazine

The U.S.-based magazine TIME has included the metro line in Ho Chi Minh City on its list of the world’s most notable locations for 2025.

The inaugural Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, commenced operations in December.

Stretching for almost 20 kilometers, this subway system includes 2.6 kilometers of tunnels beneath the ground, along with three subterranean stations and eleven raised stops. The project required an overall expenditure exceeding VND43.7 trillion (approximately US$1.72 billion). It boasts a fleet of 17 trains, each designed to accommodate as many as 930 riders, comprising 147 seats and space for 783 individuals who will be standing during their journey.

Travelers now have the option to avoid speeding motorcycles and congested roads to access well-known attractions like the French colonial Saigon Opera House, Nguyen Hue walking street, and the lively backpacker/nightlife area of Bui Vien.
TIME
editors wrote.

This listing includes various accommodations like hotels and cruises as well as attractions such as museums and parks. These options are divided into two groups: destinations for lodging and sites for exploration.

TIME
According to its website, ‘s editorial team assesses submissions considering criteria such as relevance, innovation, impact, and success.

The other Asian locations featured include the Zebun Nessa Mosque in Bangladesh, the Nintendo Museum Uji in Japan, the Beijing Library in China, the Eagle Hunter Cultural Center in Mongolia, and the Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum in Bhutan.

Tanger Med Surges to Record Growth, Claims 17th Spot Globally

Tanger Med Surges to Record Growth, Claims 17th Spot Globally


Tanger Med has climbed higher in the international port rankings, now standing at 17th position globally—a gain of two places compared to the previous year. As reported by Alphaliner, the port experienced an 18.8% surge in container throughput, marking the second-largest growth rate internationally, following closely after Long Beach and Los Angeles.


In 2024, Tangier Med managed to process an all-time high of 10.24 million TEUs due to improved infrastructure, state-of-the-art machinery, and streamlined marine activities. This achievement makes it the sole port from both the Mediterranean region and Africa to be listed among the world’s top 30 ports.

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Tanger Med records remarkable expansion, places 17th globally
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Hull Greenlights £7.6M for Enhanced Bus Services

Hull Greenlights £7.6M for Enhanced Bus Services

The Hull City Council has been granted £7.6 million from the government to enhance its public transportation systems, particularly focusing on buses.

The agency stated that the funds from the Department for Transport (DfT) will be utilized for introducing new services, boosting the frequency on major routes, setting up approximately 30 new bus stops, and enhancing accessibility under their Bus Service Enhancement Program. This initiative is scheduled to roll out between April and March 2026.

Kerry Ryan, who leads the transport and traffic management department at the council, stated that the objective was to “offer additional transportation alternatives and encourage individuals to opt for greener travel methods.”

The funding from the DfT is part of an extensive effort to improve bus services throughout England.

As per the council’s proposal, a fresh service will be introduced to the North York Moors, connecting with Clough Road and forming a circuit through Kingswood.

Major corridors such as those running along Anlubby Road, Holderness Road, Beverley Road, and Spring Bank West will have buses operating at intervals of 10 minutes throughout the day, as stated by the local government.

The council mentioned that they will provide enhanced details at bus stops, which includes additional seating, signage, and upgrades to the display of bus schedules.

Ben Gilligan, the managing director of East Yorkshire Buses, stated: “Over the past year, we’ve been satisfied with our advancements as we aimed at boosting service frequency throughout the city.”

He mentioned that customers were provided with “additional choices to opt for eco-friendly transportation and reach both the city and nearby regions.”

Matt Cranwell, the managing director of Stagecoach East Midlands, stated: “This funding has been essential and will remain vital for the ongoing enhancement of transportation choices for the residents of Hull.”

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