PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte came in ambitious to plan for a total change in the Philippines' economic terrain.
Our country experienced an infrastructure boom last observed during the time of iron leader Ferdinand Marcos.
According to the Department of Finance (DOF), the current government is embarking on a $180 billion infrastructure spending bonanza in a bid to transform the country.
DOF chief economist Karl Chua said in an interview that the government is looking at 75 flagship projects, which include six airports, nine railways, three bus rapid transits, 32 roads and bridges, and four seaports that will help bring down the costs of production, improve rural incomes, encourage countryside investments, make the movement of goods and people more efficient, and create more jobs.
The government is also aiming to construct four energy facilities that will ensure stable power supply at lower prices; ten water resource projects as well as irrigation systems that will raise agricultural output; five flood control facilities that will help protect vulnerable communities as well as boost their resilience against the impact of climate change; and three redevelopment programs that will deliver sustainable solutions to best meet the needs of urban population.
If successful, Duterte could once and for all extinguish the Southeast Asian country’s reputation as the “sick man of Asia”–and usher in an unprecedented era of inclusive economic development.
Unbeknownst to its major benefactors, the Filipinos, the program is just the biggest leap they are bound to make to improve their lives and have a change of lifestyle.
If it was not for Binibini Lemonon who honestly admitted during Binibining Pilipinas pageant that she knew none about the project, Filipinos would not go about researching what it is really about.
It’s just too unfortunate and sad to see the government pull together everything that they have got to do the job of making this country great when its people go preaching about their invalidated opinions. Trying to bring down the efforts for progress.
Just a tip, if you want to see greatness in your homeland, do your part. Read and read more until you become one with the change and progress the government is aiming.