The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has urged Congress to prioritize the release of funds for the construction of numerous big-ticket infrastructure projects to ensure the speedy implementation of the department’s programs and projects designed to hasten national economic development.
DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain said infrastructure development was one of the Marcos administration’s priority areas involving significant infrastructure projects, including new roads, schools, and hospitals, as well as the protection and promotion of the welfare of the poor and marginalized sectors of society.
The ongoing construction of 15 foreign assisted infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) being implemented by the DPWH is on track, set for completion by end-2024 and 2025, while the implementation of detailed engineering design (DED) of other multiple big-ticket projects are due for completion in the following year.
Sadain also said the implementation of numerous infrastructure projects in the country creates thousands of jobs for the local workforce.
Among the on-going DPWH projects worth P4.84 trillion are expected to be completed before end-2024 and mid-2025, while another 27 mega projects amounting to P869.69 billion are in the pipeline designed to boost the national economy in the coming years, the DPWH said.
Sadain also said of the 90 projects for completion in 2023 and beyond, 37 are already under construction.
Some of the projects undergoing detailed engineering design are the Metro Manila Bridges Project; Cebu-Mactan Bridge and Coastal Road; New Manila International Airport; and the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines.
Undergoing financing processing are the Davao City Expressway, the Ambal-Simuay River and Rio Grande de Mindanao River Flood Control Projects, and the LRT 2 West Extension, among others.
Those undergoing procurement include the Panay-Guimaras Negros Bridge Phase 1; Cebu Bus Rapid Transit; New Cebu International Container Port; and EDSA Greenways.
According to Sadain, the on-going construction of Davao River (Bucana) Bridge in Davao City is rapidly taking shape, with significant milestones already achieved.
Sadain, who is in-charge of DPWH infrastructure flagship, said the number of infrastructure flagship projects under the current administration’s “Build, Better, More” initiative has risen to 25 this year.