The Philippines is undertaking an ambitious construction program which aims to fill the gaps in infrastructure. Dubbed as the “Build, Build, Build” program, the campaign is composed of more than 75 large construction projects all over the country.
Heavy equipment suppliers such as Topspot Heavy Equipment believe that projects like these will help the country become more globally competitive and investor-friendly. Others say these projects are long overdue.
Once completed, they are expected to improve business, tourism, agriculture, and transportation in major areas in the country.
Build, Build, Build Project
The government’s umbrella project aims to have big infrastructure projects finally moving. Many of them have been on the drawing boards for a long time, while some have been halted for one reason or another. When finished, these projects would help spur trade and travel between the regions.
The expected total cost of these projects will reach 9 trillion pesos by 2022. Let’s take a look at some of the notable things to look forward to in these different areas:
Visayas and Mindanao
The Davao City Bypass construction project will minimize travel time from Digos, Davao Del Sur towards Panabo, Davao Del Norte to only 45 minutes from the current 2-hour travel time.
The Mindanao Railway. This project will cut travel time from Davao to Surigao and Cagayan De Oro and ensure faster and inexpensive travel to deliver more agricultural and industrial products.
The Iloilo to Negros and Cebu link bridges will open more doors for business opportunities and investments. The project will build two bridges linking the islands of Panay, Negros, and Cebu.
Luzon and NCR
San Miguel Corporation, the country’s largest private corporation, proposed to build an international airport in Bulacan. This will help decongest flights to and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. It is also expected to boost the development of Bulacan further.
The Santa Monica to Lawton and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) Link Bridge is expected to relieve EDSA of some 100,000 vehicles per day. The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) link will reduce travel time from Balintawak to Alabang down to thirty (30) minutes.
Manila to Clark railway system will guarantee one hour travel time from Manila to Clark International Airport. Additional projects include the development of regional airports and the construction of seaports all over the country.
This will open more routes for roll-on and roll-off (RORO) ferries. Local companies have also proposed projects which would help fill the infrastructure gap and are expected to have a huge impact on local economies by creating new routes which can encourage trade between cities and regions. Most of the Metro Manila projects, on the other hand, are meant to ease traffic and lessen travel time.
Overall, these massive projects take time and money and would rely on local and foreign funding, public-private partnerships and assistance from major trading partners, such as China and Japan. On the local side, the Philippines can take care of building materials, workforce, heavy equipment and other essentials which can be sourced locally.
