The Department of Public Works and Highways on Wednesday announced the completion of eight infrastructure projects worth P94.64 billion in 2021 despite the impact of the pandemic.
“Moving forward, we are hoping that the next administration will continue President Duterte’ legacy of infrastructure development through the BBB Program for recovery, growth and sustainability as highlighted by the President during the recent signing of 2022 General Appropriations Act or national budget to increase the Philippines growth potential and give the Filipinos a better life,” Public Works Undersecretary Emil Sadain said in a statement.
Both DPWH and the Department of Transportation completed four flagship projects each in 2021.
Completed under DPWH portfolio were the BGC-Ortigas Center Link Road Project, Estrella Pantaleon Bridge and Marawi Transcentral Road Phase 1. BGC-Ortigas Center Link Road Project and Estrella Pantaleon Bridge now serve as new alternative linkages between major thoroughfares constructed to increase the number of usable roadways that would decongest traffic in EDSA and other major roads in Metro Manila.
The BGC-Ortigas Center Link Road Project shortened to 12 minutes the travel time between Bonifacio Global City and Ortigas Central Business District while the Estrella Pantaleon Bridge is a modern bridge connecting cities of Mandaluyong and Makati within five minutes that not only improved mobility but also enhanced the resilience against natural disasters.
The 18.97-kilometer Marawi Transcentral Road Phase 1 funded by a grant from Japan fulfilled the government’s promise to build back better Marawi City with a peaceful road to recovery from the suffering due to the siege four years ago.
A fourth project completed under the Public-Private Partnership Program is the 18-kilometer Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 from Buendia, Makati City to Balintawak, Quezon City that connected North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon Expressway.
Meanwhile, the DOTr implemented and completed projects in 2021 including the LTO Central Command Center, LRT-2 East Extension, GenSan Airport Development Project and Bicol International Airport.
A total of 77 Infrastructure Flagship Projects worth P3.51 trillion are ongoing while 27 projects are in the pipeline worth P1.09 trillion.
Considered pipeline projects are those that may start construction within the present administration but will be part of the continuity pipeline of the succeeding administrations. In terms of completion, 18 projects will be completed within the administration’s term while eight projects will be delivered to completion in the second semester of 2022 and 86 projects in 2023 onwards.