Date Published:
Jun 22, 2017
Author(s):
Code:
DP 2017-22

It is well recognized in the literature that a country's transport system plays a central role in its development. This paper shows the economic impacts of improvements in the transport system by studying the experience of the Philippines with the roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) policy that promotes the use of Ro-Ro ferry terminal system. Using difference-in-difference strategies in analyzing agricultural household income and children's education, the study finds that the operation of Ro-Ro ports largely benefited the households living near the Ro-Ro ports. More specifically, estimates suggest that agricultural households gained higher income from the operation of these ports because both agriculture- and nonagriculture-related activities were stimulated. Results also imply the boost in nonagriculture-related activities in the islands where the Ro-Ro ports are located. Meanwhile, analysis on children's education reveals an increase in school attendance of males and females in municipalities near the Ro-Ro ports. The study also confirms that there was an increase in family income in these areas, thereby suggesting the increased capacity of households to send children to school. As a whole, the study demonstrates some examples of short- and long-run impacts of improving a country's transport system. Likewise, it highlights the importance of an efficient and affordable transport system in an archipelagic country like the Philippines.

Citations

This publication has been cited 9 times

In other Publications
  1. Cao, David, John Stanley, and Janet Stanley. 2017. Indicators of socio-spatial transport disadvantage for inter-island transport planning in rural Philippine communities. Social Inclusion, 5, no. 4, 116-131. Cogitatio Press.
In the Media
  1. Amojelar, Darwin. 2017. Ro-Ro lifts household earnings near ports. Manila Standard Today.
  2. Arcalas, Jasper. 2019. Solons bat for review of ‘high’ RORO fees. BusinessMirror.
  3. Delavin, Imee Charlee. 2017. Ro-Ro network found to stimulate farmer incomes . BusinessWorld.
  4. GMA News. 2017. Ro-Ro system raised incomes of agri households — PIDS study. GMA News.
  5. Malaya Business Insight. 2017. Ro-Ro boon to family incomes. Malaya Business Insight.
  6. SunStar Manila. 2017. PIDS: Income of residents near Ro-Ro port up by 7%. SunStar Manila.
  7. Valencia, Czeriza. 2017. Ro-Ro system boosts incomes of households near ports — PIDS. Philippine Star.
  8. Velasco, Ed. 2017. Ro-Ro improved household income. The Daily Tribune.


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