Noy: Philippines overflowing with infra projects

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino took exception to reports on the lack of infrastructure projects in the country, saying these are overflowing under his administration.

He issued the statement amid reports that the Philippines ranked eighth among the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in terms of overall quality of infrastructure.

 In his speech during the thanksgiving celebration and national transformation assembly of the First Baptist Church in Tarlac on Sunday, the President said  he couldn’t help asking what more needed to be constructed.

 “Tumakbo sa isip ko nang tinanong ako ukol sa kulang na kulang daw ang ating imprastruktura. Natukso ako tuloy itanong sa kanya: Ano pa bang imprastruktura na pwedeng gawin ang hindi pa natin ginagawa?” he said.

 He cited Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson’s statement that the government even exceeded the limit in some provinces, such as in Apayao, where there is presently a dearth of cement, steel and even high-skilled workers like carpenters, electricians and plumbers.

“But how can we lack in gravel and sand? That’s how many infrastructure projects going on simultaneously that eventually there was shortfall in supply,” Aquino, quoting Singson, said.

  He said at least two governors from Mindanao who used to beg for projects are now saying their problem is providing the counterpart funding.

In Central Luzon, the President directed Singson to coordinate with local government authorities for the immediate repair of the Pura-Guimba Road.

 Aquino said he noticed cracks along the 11.44-kilometer provincial road when he visited Nueva Ecija recently to distribute relief goods for the victims of Typhoon Lando.

 He said repair of provincial roads is not covered by the budget that Congress has enacted for the DPWH.