'Build, Build, Build' infra projects are economic benefits

THE GOVERNMENT'S  massive infrastructure projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program are not only starting point for the country’s swift recovery after the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic but are also economic benefits.   

Speaking in his 5th State of the Nation Address Monday, President Rodrigo R. Duterte said, “To realize the maximum benefit from the country’s investments, the infrastructure projects under the ‘Build, Build, Build’ Program, which are labor and capital intensive, are not mere springboards for the country’s swift recovery [post]-pandemic. They are economic benefits --- economic benefits to be distributed to all corners of the country and push sustainability in urban centers, particularly Metro Manila".

He also cited the statements of the government’s economic cluster that investments in infrastructure will help start up the economy which will benefit the people.

“Our economic managers have seen infrastructure investment as an effective tool to help spur high growth, attract investments, create jobs, and achieve financial inclusion for all Filipinos,” Duterte said.

Duterte said the Department of Public Works and Highways has resumed the construction of some key infrastructure projects such as the North Luzon Expressway Harbor Link, the NLEX-SLEX Connector, the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, the R-1 Bridge Project, the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway Project, and the Subic Freeport Expressway Project, among others.

Duterte said the government is set to release a report of the accomplishments under  ‘Build, Build, Build’.

“We have accomplished significant infrastructure projects under the ‘Build, Build, Build’ Program. I will not dwell lengthily on the nitty-gritty of our infrastructure accomplishments now lest I bore you. Instead we will release a comprehensive written report on our collective milestones and the details of accomplishments to remind us that perseverance, patience and determination will help us move forward even in the most difficult of times,” he added.

From 2017 to 2022, the government will be building roads, bridges, airport, railways among others, with a total budget of PHP8 trillion, under the  ‘Build, Build, Build’ program. (By Ferdinand Patinio)