President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. will continue the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program started by his predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte. However, while continuing to develop and construct new airports, Marcos’ administration will place a higher value on developing the country’s railway system.
Marcos stated during his first state of the nation address on July 25 that he is eager to continue the unfinished projects of the Build Build Build Program. He says, “We must keep the momentum. And aspire to ‘Build Better More’”.
Marcos mentioned several railway projects throughout the country that are in various stages of development and have a combined value of P1.9 trillion. He stated that the current administration is committed to completing the following approved railway projects:
- North-South Commuter Railway System
- 33-kilometer Metro Manila Subway Project
- 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway System
- 12-kilometer Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension (LRT 1)
- 23-kilometer Metro Rail Transit (MRT 7)
- Common Station that will connect LRT-1, MRT-3, and MRT-7
- 102-km Mindanao Railway Project (MRP)
- Panay Railway Project
- Cebu Railway System
The administration will, among other things, “continue to improve our roads and transportation systems in major cities across the country.” The Cebu Bus Rapid Transit, the Davao High-Priority Bus System, the Ilocos Norte Transportation Hub and El Nido Transport Terminal are four examples of such projects.
Better Connection Between Islands: Mega Bridge Project
Although the Mega Bridge Project was put on hold in 2019, several projects linked to it have been finished or begun since then. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) last updated the project in its Annual Infrastructure Program for 2021, published in April 2018.
According to their plans, within the next ten years, at least twelve additional bridges will need to be constructed as part of the Inter-Island Linkage/Mega Bridge Program.
The Panguil Bay Bridge, which links Tubod in Lanao del Norte and Tangub in Misamis Occidental and is 3 kilometers long, is one of the projects that will substantially enhance transportation across island states. The goal is to reduce travel time between cities from 2.5 hours to 7 minutes.
Furthermore, the Bataan Cavite Interlink Bridge will reduce the journey time between Naic, Cavite, and Mariveles, Bataan. The 400-meter North Channel and 900-meter South Channel bridges will be constructed as part of this project. When completed, travel time between these two cities will be reduced from 5 hours to 40 minutes.
Cebu will benefit significantly from the project since it is expected to experience significant growth in its transportation and mobility infrastructure, particularly with the Panglao-Tagbilaran City Offshore Connector Bridge and the Cebu Mactan Bridge and Coastal Construction Project.
What Can Filipinos Expect?
The first thing that Filipinos can expect is an improvement in the country’s logistics and supply chain. The additional roads and infrastructure will make it easier for goods to be transported from one place to another, leading to faster delivery and lower costs.
In addition, the improved roads will also allow for better connectivity between different parts of the country. This will make it easier for people to travel from one place to another, whether for business or leisure.
Lastly, the increased roads and transport infrastructure will create more jobs in the construction and maintenance industries. The government’s plan to develop more road and transport infrastructure is a positive move that can benefit all Filipinos.
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