Sunday, February 03, 2008 Arroyo orders infrastructure spree vs US recession
ON ORDERS of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the government started Saturday an infrastructure spree that aims to protect the Philippines from the effects of a possible recession in the US economy.
Arroyo dropped the time capsule for a C-5 flyover and a 16-classroom school building in ceremonies in Metro Manila.
"Because there is an economic slowdown in America, I am ordering a surge in infrastructure construction," she said before dropping the golden time capsule that signaled the start of the construction of the C-5 Extension Project in Sucat, Parañaque City.
She said work on the flyover will start April but she wanted it "front-loaded" or started early.
Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said Arroyo hopes the surge will also serve as a springboard for further growth.
The C-5 Extension Project's 190-meter P200-million flyover portion shall link Pulang Lupa-Las Piñas Road with the soon-to-be-completed Sucat to multi-national avenue section of Circumferential Road 5 (C-5).
It will ensure uninterrupted traffic flow both along Sucat Road and C-5, to minimize if not eliminate traffic congestion along Sucat Road and nearby road networks, including the Coastal Road, Roxas Blvd., President Quirino Avenue, South Luzon Expressway (Slex), and the vicinity of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).
It also aims to serve as an alternate route from the southern part of Metro Manila to Cavite. "It is scheduled for completion in December," a Malacañang official said.
Arroyo said the skyway project is just a portion of the 3,000 kilometers of roads to be constructed this year.
On the other hand, a second time-capsule was laid in Sta. Lucia, Pasig City where a P25-million four-story school building will be constructed for 3,582 students of the Sta. Lucia High School. (JMR/Sunnex)
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