10 March 2026, Singapore – The Department of Transportation (DOTr), in collaboration with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), supported by Infrastructure Asia, is hosting a market sounding session in Singapore from 09 to 11 March 2026 to present two key DOTr projects:  the Philippine Automated Fare Collection System (PAFCS); and the AFCS Package for the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP-AFCS).

It brings together international operators, technology providers, and development partners to gather market feedback and insights from leading global companies with relevant expertise and interest.

During the opening ceremony on 09 March 2026, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, H.E. Medardo G. Macaraig, highlighted the implementation of structural reforms in the Philippines to make infrastructure investment more transparent, predictable, and efficient. As the ASEAN Chair in 2026, the Philippines has prioritized accelerating digital transformation across the region. One key aspect of this agenda is the implementation of digital transport payment systems, which integrate digital services into everyday mobility and public infrastructure.

DOTr Assistant Secretary for Railways Eduardo Danilo Macabulos, in presenting the projects’ information and tender details,  noted Philippines’ broader effort to close its long-standing infrastructure gap and modernize public transport systems nationwide, underscoring in particular the country’s ambitious rail expansion program. The PAFCS and DPTMP-AFCS will serve as an overarching platform to support the rapid growth of the rail and bus network and deliver more seamless, efficient, and convenient journeys for millions of commuters.

Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan, from the Payments and Currency Management Sector of the BSP, situated the AFCS initiatives within the Philippines’ broader transition toward digital payments. He emphasized that digital payments have risen, marking a major behavioral shift. 

The Singapore session is part of a broader international roadshow that will also include stops in other major financial and infrastructure hubs. Feedback gathered from participants will be used to refine the scope, risk allocation, and procurement parameters of the AFCS packages ahead of the planned tender launches. The Philippines invites continued engagement from global industry players as the country advances toward a modern, fully integrated public transport and digital payments ecosystem.END.