A total of P909.7 billion out of the proposed P3.757-trillion national budget for 2019 will be allotted for the construction of the flagship projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program.
According to President Rodrigo Duterte’s budget message recently submitted to Congress, the P909.7 billion for infrastructure projects represents 24.2 percent of the cash budget for 2019 or 4.6 percent of the gross domestic product.
“Investments insufficient and quality infrastructure will increase economic activity through improved mobility, connectivity, and sustainability across the country,” Duterte said.
Meanwhile, with a total allocation of P1.377 trillion, Social Services remain the administration’s top priority in the 2019 National Budget. This is equivalent to 36.7 percent of the Budget and will be used to finance social programs, particularly human capital development such as education, health care, and social protection.
Education continued to get the lion’s share of the 2019 budget with a total funding of P659.3 billion, a 12.3-percent increase from last year’s P587.1 billion.
Duterte said public infrastructure spending in 2019 was estimated to generate 1.1 million jobs—”something we desperately need.”
The Department of Public Works and Highways will get the bulk of the 2019 infrastructure budget amounting to P555.7 billion, while the Department of Transportation will take P76.1 billion.
Duterte said the two departments will use the amount to provide connectivity for all Filipinos and to implement major infrastructure projects. PNA
Of the Public Works budget, P113.29 billion will be used for network development, including the widening of 778.822 kilometers of roads.
Public Works also has P29.66 billion for the widening, replacement, retrofitting, repair/rehabilitation and construction of new bridges next year.
“Bridges remain an important backbone of our infrastructure investments,” Duterte said.
A total of P56.65 billion is allocated for asset preservation to keep the roads in good condition, while P101.91 billion will be spent on flood management including the P72.74-billion drainage systems.
Since Metro Manila contributes at least 35 percent to the Philippine economy, Public Works has allotted P25.2 billion for the construction of a 35-kilometer Metro Manila subway project while P2 billion will be used to build 17 more stations of the Pasig River Ferry Convergence Program.
Duterte also emphasized the need to build more infrastructure projects outside Metro Manila to spur economic activity in the rural areas.