Use new technology to create faster, ‘resilient’ public projects
THE country’s public works must use technology for faster completion of projects and must be resilient enough to withstand climate change and the various disasters the Philippines frequently face, House Committee on Appropriations chairman Zaldy Co said Friday.
“Faster computing powers and innovations in material science now allow for infrastructure designs and construction to [finishing] faster—in weeks or even days. Our Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) must use these new technologies to allow our citizens to enjoy our roads, bridges, school buildings, and other similar projects earlier,” Co said.
“Our public works must also be climate- and disaster-resilient to adapt and prepare for the rapid changes in our planet. They must be responsive to the country’s ever-growing population and its ever-increasing demand for efficient delivery of public services, including energy, water, and public transportation,” Co said at the hearing on the P718.36-billion proposed DPWH budget for 2023.
Members of the committee expressed concern about unused appropriations in the 2020 (P83 billion) and 2021 (P87.6 billion) budgets of the department.
Asked about the amount of unused DPWH funds for 2022, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan told the House body that the department’s current accomplishment is about 90%. He said he is confident that by yearend, that number would increase to 95%.
On the unused P1.4 billion of the DPWH’s Quick Response Fund in 2021, Bonoan said that as of Aug. 31, 2022, the department has a balance of P1.3 billion, which he plans to use before the year ends.
Several congressmen also raised the issues of traffic congestion and flooding caused by delayed project completion.
Co noted that the department faces many challenges and requires full support from all sectors.
“This committee supports the P718.36-billion proposed budget of the DPWH for 2023—to enable the country to meet and surpass these challenges,” he said.
Co expressed support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s agenda to continue the previous administration’s thrust on infrastructure.
“President Marcos aspires to expand the Build, Build More Program and sustain it at 5% to 6% of the GDP. This Committee welcomes and supports the President’s aspirations. Indeed, infrastructure is the backbone of a society’s economy,” Co said.
