Rep. Momo supports PBBM’s ‘Build, Better, More’ program

Surigao del Sur 1st District Rep. Romeo Momo on Monday expressed support for President Marcos’ “Build, Better, More (BBM) Program” as he sought more budget for the Department of Public Works and Highways.

During the DPWH briefing led by the House Committee on Public Works and Highways, which the lawmaker chairs, he acknowledged the vital role of the agency in serving the Filipinos better through the BBM program.

“Indeed, the backbone of an economy is its infrastructure, hence as legislators, we need to ensure that, not only we have relevant laws in support of our infrastructure projects and programs, such as the PPP Code and RROW Bill (HB 6571, amending RA 10752), but more importantly, the DPWH shall have correct and sufficient budget for its various priority programs and operating expenses,” he told DPWH officials and committee members during the briefing held at EDSA Shangri-la Hotel in Mandaluyong City.

Momo highlighted the need for Congress “to be apprised of the department’s accomplishments, as well as its major concerns, in order for us to act accordingly so that altogether as public servants, we can work as one towards achieving a common goal of giving the Filipino people better and improved lives.”

In the briefing, the DPWH discussed its accomplishment and performance report for 2023, its 2024 project implementation, the department’s policy and direction, including priorities, major programs, and projects for 2025, and updates on the Official Development Assistance (ODA) and other issues.

It was determined during the DPWH briefing that there were significant budget cuts for the following priority programs of the department which greatly affects its performance of functions: Preliminary Detailed Engineering, Road Right of Way, ODA Infrastructure Flagship Projects, and the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).

It was then resolved by the committee to discuss these concerns with House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Momo, a former DPWH undersecretary, extended his gratitude to the agency and vowed to work together for the fulfillment of the Marcos administration’s infrastructure projects.

“This briefing did not only apprise everyone as to the status or development of our respective legislative district’s infrastructure projects but it also gave us the total perspective as to where our nation’s infrastructure progress is going in the succeeding years,” he said.

Earlier, the lawmaker hailed the passage of the Public-Private Partnership Code of the Philippines (PPP Code), which he sponsored in plenary, for it will strengthen the relationship between the public and the private sectors and help the government achieve its infrastructure agendas.

He thanked President Marcos for turning the landmark legislation into a reality, and said it shows the Chief Executive’s understanding of the importance of legal framework in fulfilling his administration’s infrastructure projects.

Present during the DPWH briefing were Secretary Manuel Bonoan and other public works officials.