Duterte urges Marcos admin to continue big infrastructure projects

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has urged the Marcos administration to continue the big-ticket infrastructure projects that his government initiated to aid the country’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Duterte made the remark as he witnessed the lowering of the tunnel boring machine of the Philippines’ first-ever Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) in Valenzuela City on Sunday.

In his speech, the President said he is hoping that the incoming administration will build on the foundations that his government has laid down in terms of infrastructure projects.

“I now call on my fellow workers in government – especially those who will take on the reins of power and those who will remain once I step ahead of office – to continue to dream and pursue big-ticket projects that will sustain our ongoing economic recovery and realize goals and aspirations of our people,” Duterte said.

“Let us then look to the future with courage, optimism, and confidence as we move towards a more progressive and robust Philippines,” he said.

Duterte congratulated the Department of Transportation and its partners for achieving significant progress for the MMSP and expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for partnering with the Philippines to make the project a reality.

“I am also grateful to have the Japan International Cooperation Agency as an ally in nation-building, particularly in initiatives that will benefit our citizens and accelerate our country’s economic development,” he said.

Duterte said the project would benefit the commuters especially those coming from Quezon City going to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

At the same time, it will allow travelers to save much time and energy, giving them opportunities to become more productive and focused on other endeavors, he said.

The MMSP is one of the important projects under the Build, Build, Build program of the Duterte administration.

Phase 1 of the subway project is currently under construction and will have 13 underground stations traversing the cities of Valenzuela, Quezon, Pasig, Makati, Taguig and Parañaque.

It will further extend to the north and south of Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, Sen. Bong Go reiterated assurance to the Filipino people of his continuous support to infrastructure projects that serve different regions in order to achieve a more equitable distribution of economic development across the country.

“As your senator, you can always expect me to promote projects, proposals and aspirations that will help every Filipino,” Go said.

Go has commended the Duterte administration for making life more comfortable for Filipinos through its Build, Build, Build program as he attended, together with the President, the lowering of the tunnel boring machine of the MMSP in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela.

“The purpose of the projects is to provide a more comfortable life for Filipinos, especially when it comes to travel. It is very important for the growth of livelihood in our communities and the availability of economic opportunities in the countryside,” said Go. “These big projects are part of the legacy of our President Duterte for the next generation.”

The subway project costs P488 billion and is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. As of June 6, 2022, the project is 32.06 percent accomplished and is targeted to be partially operational by 2025 and fully operational by 2027.

The MMSP will serve over 370,000 passengers per day and reduce travel time from Quezon City to NAIA by half – from about 70 minutes to 35 minutes. – Cecille Suerte Felipe