DPWH and DOTr Affirms Continuation of Infra Projects Under Current Administration

The current administration is keen on building more infrastructure, particularly bridges and railways, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr). This move hopes to “sustain rapid growth and attract investment and create economic opportunities for all Filipinos,” explained Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan.

Among these projects, the DPWH expressed that it looks to construct more bridges across the Marikina and Pasig rivers to enhance mobility. Bonoan furthered that they aim to add “five or six” bridges across the Pasig River “because there are just a few bridges connecting the north and south sectors, although the department has already built a few more.”

Also planned are a number of bridges that will connect certain provinces. These include the “mega-bridge” connecting Bataan and Cavite as well as an inter-island bridge linking the islands of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros. Moreover, Bonoan also highlighted the development of an expressway east of Metro Manila “that will go through Pasig, Cainta, all the way to Bulacan.”

Other expressway projects worth noting include the South Luzon Expressway extension to Lucena and the Luzon expressway network that aims to cut travel time between the regions of Ilocos and Bicol. “We will continue to entice the private sector (via) public-private partnerships (PPP) for transport programs that are viable for the private sector,” Bonoan added.

The Marcos administration is also targeting the creation of more farm-to-market roads. However, Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa notes that “there is about 70,000 km that need to be concreted all over the country to bring efficient distribution system to reduce prices of basic commodities all over the country.” On the side of active transport, Bonoan affirmed that they also aim to establish more pedestrian lanes and bike lane networks.

Meanwhile, the DOTr projects the completion of the “Grand Central Station” by the second quarter of 2023. This project will connect the LRT-1 with the MRT-3, MRT-7, and Metro Manila Subway. The transportation department also plans to finish the development of a number of airport projects within Marcos’ term. Among these are the Bulacan International Airport, the New Siargao Airport, and Zamboanga International Airport.

Sources: ABS CBN, BusinessWorld