Forums & Summits

With the theme "Driving Change: Building Intelligent, Safe, and Sustainable Transport," the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) will host the 2026 Transportation Forum, bringing together government leaders, industry experts, and mobility innovators to help shape the country's transport future.

The Philippine transport sector stands at a pivotal moment. Rapid urbanization, increasing mobility needs, and pressing environmental and safety concerns continue to strain infrastructure and economic productivity. Metro Manila alone grapples with chronic congestion, worsening air quality, and thousands of road fatalities each year. A study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) further shows that the country lags behind its ASEAN neighbors in key transport indicators. For instance, the Philippines ranks last in railway density, with only 1.52 km per 1,000 sq. km, illustrating the urgency for long-term planning, stronger investments, and deeper public-private collaboration.

This urgency becomes even more significant as the Philippines assumes its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, a role that amplifies the country's responsibility to champion regional cooperation, sustainable mobility, and resilient transport systems. The forum presents a timely opportunity to align national priorities with ASEAN's transport integration goals, strengthen regional connectivity, and showcase the Philippines' commitment to smarter, greener, and safer mobility.

Technological advancements are accelerating this transition. Intelligent traffic systems, AI-powered mobility tools, and electric vehicles (EVs) are creating new pathways to reduce congestion, cut emissions, and modernize mobility networks. Metro Manila's shift toward adaptive, AI-driven traffic management by 2026 signals progress in easing road bottlenecks and improving road safety. Meanwhile, the implementation of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) continues to drive EV adoption. However, infrastructure gaps remain significant 62% of Southeast Asian consumers prefer home charging, yet 58% lack access to charging points, emphasizing the need for scalable charging networks.

Amid these challenges and opportunities, the ECCP's 2026 Transportation Forum offers an important platform to advance dialogue and solutions. This year's discussions will center on:

• Road Safety Management
• AI in Transportation
• Sustainable and Green Transport