MANILA – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced plans to construct an additional 30,000 kilometers of national roads and several flood control projects across the country, aiming to enhance infrastructure and reduce congestion.
According to Philippines News Agency, these initiatives are part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives from his 2022 State of the Nation Address (SONA), which emphasized the importance of infrastructure in national development under the Build Better More program. "So, this is what we are really focusing on right now," Bonoan stated in a pre-SONA interview on People's Television.
The cornerstone of these projects is the expansion of Daang Maharlika, a 3,000-kilometer trunk line running from Laoag City to Zamboanga City, initiated during the administration of President Marcos’ father, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. Bonoan emphasized the importance of continuous travel along these roads to improve connectivity and reduce travel times across regions.
The DPWH is responsible for implementing 74 of the 175 flagship projects approved by the Marcos administration. Bonoan detailed plans to widen congested roads to at least four lanes nationwide, not just in Metro Manila but also in other regional metropolises. Additionally, six new bridges across the Pasig River are set to begin construction, aiming to enhance connectivity between crucial areas such as the north and south harbors and near Makati and Marikina.
On the flood control front, Bonoan reported that the DPWH is currently managing 1,900 projects, including the construction of revetment walls to prevent water overflow during heavy rains and river dredging to mitigate flooding risks. These projects are crucial for protecting communities prone to flooding, especially during the rainy season.
Moreover, the DPWH is coordinating with the Department of Agriculture on developing farm-to-market roads to support the national food security program. Convergence programs with the Department of Tourism will focus on improving infrastructure near tourist destinations to boost accessibility and visitor numbers.
Bonoan highlighted the significant investment in infrastructure, with at least PHP1.4 trillion allocated this year, accounting for 6 percent of the gross domestic product. He underscored the economic impact of infrastructure development, citing a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) study that estimated traffic congestion in Metro Manila costs the Philippine economy at least PHP3.5 billion a day. Without effective interventions, these costs could rise to PHP5.8 billion in the coming years, emphasizing the urgency of these expansive infrastructure projects.