Anna Mae Lamentillo, now an advocate following her tenure as Chairperson of the Build Build Build Committee, champions the expansion of public transport and the establishment of 15-minute cities as crucial solutions to Manila's daunting traffic challenges. With a staggering 3.63 million vehicles crowding Metro Manila in 2023 and a daily commuter count of 13 million, the economic toll of congestion reaches a staggering 3.5 billion pesos per day.

Anna Mae's advocacy is grounded in the lessons of history, where the Philippines once boasted a robust rail network, only to see it diminish drastically over time. From thousands of kilometers of rail infrastructure in previous eras, only 77 km remained by 2021. Understanding the consequences of neglecting transport infrastructure, Anna Mae emphasizes the importance of strategic investment and sustainable development in creating a resilient and efficient public transport system for the future.

During her leadership, Anna Mae played a pivotal role in advancing the Philippines' transition to an intermodal network. Together with 6.5 million Filipinos, Build Build Build initiated transformative projects such as the construction of the country's first subway route and the introduction of five new rail routes. Over five years, they built 497.33 km of cycling routes nationwide, completed 451 ports vital for commercial, social, or tourism purposes, and finished 214 airport projects. Notably, they also improved 29,264 km of roads and constructed 5,950 bridges.

Anna Mae's advocacy is deeply informed by the archipelagic nature of the Philippines, where seamless connectivity across islands is crucial for economic growth and social cohesion. By promoting efficient and interconnected modes of transportation, including trains, buses, cycling lanes, and pedestrian pathways, she aims to enhance accessibility and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

Her vision for 15-minute cities reflects a commitment to creating vibrant urban spaces where residents can access essential services within short distances, thus alleviating traffic congestion and improving the quality of life for all Filipinos.

Join Anna Mae in advocating for sustainable, people-centric transportation solutions. Together, we can build a future where efficient public transport networks transform commuting experiences and promote inclusive development across the Philippine archipelago.