Screengrab from DOTr

Starting this week, officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will be required to take public transportation at least once a week, following a directive from Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez.

The move comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the agency to provide immediate solutions to the challenges faced by commuters and ensure faster, more convenient travel.

In a memorandum released today, Lopez instructed road and rail sector officials in particular to regularly ride buses, trains, and other modes of public transport. He explained that these sectors carry the bulk of projects aimed at improving daily commutes, making it essential for their leaders to experience firsthand what commuters go through.

“Officials from our Road and Rail sectors must be out there because most of our projects are concentrated in these areas,” Lopez stressed. “We are also encouraging those from other sectors to do the same, since this is the only way to truly see and feel the struggles of our commuting public.”

After each commute, officials will be required to submit reports detailing their observations and recommendations for improving public transportation.

Lopez himself has already taken the lead, commuting to the DOTr office during Monday’s rush hour to directly engage with passengers and witness the challenges they face daily.

This initiative is part of the administration’s push to strengthen commuter-focused programs under the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign.