Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan provided the updates of key infrastructure development projects in the Philippines under Official Development Assistance (ODA) of the Government of Japan in a bilateral discussion held at Meiji Kinenkan Chitose Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

Secretary Bonoan together with Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain and Project Directors Ramon A. Arriola III and Benjamin A. Bautista of Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) operations represented the DPWH delegation during the 14th Philippines-Japan High-Level Joint Committee Meeting on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation on August 28, 2023.

This is the first High-Level Meeting hosted by Japan since the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

A Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation was established in 2017 in order to monitor the implementation of cooperation projects toward Philippines’ nation-building.

Other than the DPWH, the Philippine delegation consisted of agency heads and officials from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

Among the flagship infrastructure projects reviewed are the Feasibility Study for the Dalton Pass East Alignment Road and Central Mindanao Highway Construction Project; 2nd San Juanico Bridge Construction Project; EDSA Transport Road Network Rehabilitation Project; Metro Manila Interchange Construction Project; Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project; Other On-Going Projects including Road Network Development Project in Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao; Programme for the Support for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Marawi City and Its Surrounding Areas; Arterial Road Bypass Project Phase III; and Cebu-Mactan Bridge (4th Bridge) and Coastal Road Construction Project.

Also discussed with the Japanese officials headed by Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr. Mori Masafumi are updates for the tunnel operation and maintenance for the Davao Bypass and Dalton Road Projects; project for flood control and drainage in Davao City; and Paranaque Spillway Project.

Senior Undersecretary Sadain said that through the regular meetings, both the Philippine and Japanese government are prompted to deliver on commitments and are encouraged to think of more innovative measures to improve cooperation and facilitate project implementation.

Proposed for JICA ODA, the Dalton Pass East Alignment Road Project is a section of the proposed improvement and upgrading of the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway, already named as (AH-26) a priority included under the Flagship Projects under the “Build Better More” infrastructure program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration.

The project which aims to ensure safe and seamless travel will involve the construction of 23.0 kilometers 4-lane (2 lanes each direction) bypass road, east of the existing highway.

Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) had already been secured for this project just recently this August 03, 2023.

JICA extended assistance extended in the conduct of the Feasibility Study/Preparatory Survey that was completed in July 2023 with the signing of the Loan Agreement targeted by December 2023 and the commencement of Detailed Engineering Design by early 2024.

Meanwhile, the Feasibility Study funded under JICA Grant assistance for Central Mindanao High Standard Highway Construction Project is ongoing, with the Preliminary Design expected to be completed by September 2023. The JICA Pre-Fact Finding Mission was deployed to the Philippines last August 7-9, 2023.

Per coordination with JICA last June 15, 2023, the procurement of Preparatory Survey Consultant for the project will proceed anytime soon.

The proposed 2nd San Juanico Bridge Project involves the construction of a two (2) – lane arch bridge with a total length of 4.88 km including approaches, which will connect Samar and Leyte Islands and will serve as alternative route to the existing San Juanico Bridge, along the Philippine- Japan Friendship Highway (AH-26) which is projected to be insufficient in carrying traffic in 10 years’ time.

Included under the “Build Better More” program, the proposed EDSA Rehabilitation Project is proposed to be included in the Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) for Large-Scale Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation (LBRR), and was endorsed to NEDA in August 2023 for review and approval.

The massive rehabilitation of EDSA - considered the most important thoroughfare in Metro Manila, was proposed for JICA ODA.

The Japanese Government continuously provided assistance in the development of infrastructures that are integral in the recovery and peace-building within conflict-affected areas in Mindanao such as the Road Network Development Project in Conflict- Affected Areas in Mindanao which covers the development, construction, and improvement of 174.50 kilometers of road network within Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and other-conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

Currently, construction of the 18.78 km Marawi Trans-Central Road Phase III is ongoing, while the remaining six (6) sub-projects are undergoing detailed engineering design. The project is to be completed by 2028.

Another key ongoing project is the Arterial Road Bypass Project Phase III which includes the widening of the 23.36-km Plaridel Bypass Road, and aims to reduce travel time between Balagtas and San Rafael in Bulacan from 1 hour and 9 minutes to 24 minutes.

The project is at 84.38% overall accomplishment, with two (2) contract packages already completed last July 2021 and April 2023. The remaining two (2) packages are to be completed by March 2024.

For the Davao City Bypass Construction Project that covers the construction of a 4-lane 45.98-km bypass road featuring two (2) 2.3 km mountain tunnels to reduce travel time between Davao City and Panabo City via the Pan-Philippine Highway from 1 hour and 44 minutes to just 49 minutes, civil works for Package I-1 is currently at 35.51% accomplishment while the procurement for civil works for Package I-2 and I-3 is also ongoing.

Construction activities declined in the second quarter of the year, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Wednesday.

The PSA said the number of approved building permits declined by 14.9 percent to 36,136 from 42,478 in the same quarter last year.

These permits are equivalent to 7.2 million square meters of floor area valued at PHP87.82 billion.

"By type of construction, residential buildings still reported the highest number of 24,175 constructions in the second quarter of 2023 or 66.9 percent of the total number of constructions during the quarter," the PSA said.

This was followed by the non-residential type of construction with 7,928 permits.

"Addition, which refers to any new construction that increases the height or area of an existing building, and alteration and repair of existing structures contributed 4.3 percent and 6.9 percent to the total number of constructions, respectively," it said.

The PSA said the bulk of the construction activities in the second quarter of the year was recorded in Calabarzon with 9,504 permits.

This was followed by Central Visayas with 4,523 constructions, and Central Luzon with 3,682 permits. By Anna Leah Gonzales

Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) sees large-scale infrastructure projects thriving under the “efficiency and flexibility” of its partners in the private sector.

In his message during the contract signing of four of the DOTr’s Infrastructure Flagship Projects’ (IFP) consultancy services, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the private sector’s expertise in transportation planning, architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering, and other aspects will be relied upon by the government.

“Pursuant to (President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s) directive, the DOTr is working full speed and is commencing the feasibility studies of four IFPs,” Bautista said.

The four contracts signed involve consultancy services with the Public-Private Partnership Center, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Isla Lipana & Co (PwC Philippines), and SyCip Gorres Velayo & Company (SGV) for the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) operations and maintenance, and feasibility studies for the NCR EDSA Busway, Manila Bay-Pasig River-Laguna Lake Ferry System (MAPALLA) and North Long Haul Inter-Regional Railway (North Railway).

The North Railway is a planned 800-kilometer railway that will revive the legacy railway to Ilocos and Cagayan Valley, linking the economic centers in Luzon's northern and northeastern parts.

The MAPALLA, meanwhile, is a ferry system that will rehabilitate and expand the Pasig River Ferry to allow for improved and higher frequency services that will serve the National Capital Region (NCR) and neighboring provinces including Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.

“The ferry system will feature low-carbon ferries servicing tens of thousands of passengers daily,” Bautista said.

Meanwhile, the EDSA Busway plans to improve the existing EDSA Carousel by addressing the high demand for transportation through increasing capacity and service reliability.

“The project may also involve the introduction of electric buses, reducing the carbon emissions along heavily trafficked corridors of Metro Manila,”the DOTr chief said.

On the other hand, the Cebu BRT is a 13.18-kilometer bus lane in Cebu stretching from Mambaling to Cebu IT Park.

Once completed, it is expected to serve up to 160,000 passengers per day.

Around 76 high-impact infrastructure flagship projects amounting to PHP2.4 billion will be pursued in Mindanao to boost economic development in the region.

During the first Philippine Economic Briefing in Davao City on Wednesday, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said some of the infrastructure projects aim to ease congestion and improve connectivity in Mindanao.

These include Davao Public Transport Modernization Project, Mindanao Railway Project, Davao City Expressway, Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge, and Panguil Bay Bridge.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the 100-kilometer Mindanao Railway Project, with a total project cost of PHP81.67 billion, is currently in the process of design finalization and right-of-way acquisition.

Bautista also noted that the PHP73.9-billion Davao Public Transport Modernization Project will be funded with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank.

On digital infrastructure in Mindanao, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy said over 1,500 free Wi-Fi sites have been deployed and about 1,200 digital transformation centers have been established in villages to assist locals.

‘Bright spots’

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. Area Vice President for Mindanao Arturo Milan cited several “bright spots” for Mindanao in sectors such as transportation, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and energy.

Milan emphasized that energy security has to be “constantly present.”

“Otherwise, all these bright spots in our economy will not be possible,” he said.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the government has already come up with a budget plan for the priority sectors.

“The sectors he has mentioned, I am happy to note that they are all the same priorities on the expenditure side,” Pangandaman said.

Discussing the priority expenditures in the proposed 2024 national budget, Pangandaman said the government is promoting renewable energy alongside the country’s climate efforts, which will be allocated PHP543.45 billion for next year.

Inclusive development

Citing the importance of a whole-of-nation approach, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. discussed opportunities in Islamic banking and finance that have sparked notable market interest from local and foreign investors.

National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Joseph Capuno highlighted key points in the Davao Regional Development Plan 2023-2028, including the creation of an enabling environment to promote investor interest through enhanced physical and digital connectivity infrastructure.

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. President John Carlo Tria said business organizations in Mindanao enjoy strong relations with local governments.

“We work together to bring investment to Davao, and this is a window to the rest of Mindanao,” Tria said.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma commended the private sector for its valuable contribution to boosting the country’s employment level.

Laguesma said the private sector’s active participation, cooperation and commitment signify that they “continue to trust the government,” especially the Marcos administration.

Interior Undersecretary Marlo Iringan expressed his optimism for improved delivery of public services and better governance and accountability by the local government units, as evidenced by the Seal of Good Local Governance.

A substantial portion of the proposed PHP214.3 billion budget of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for 2024 will be earmarked for the implementation of the Marcos administration’s “Build Better More” infrastructure program, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Thursday.

In a statement, the DBM said a total of PHP176.4 billion of the DOTr’s proposed 2024 allocation would go to its Public Sector Infrastructure budget, fostering high-impact infrastructure flagship public transport projects approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board.

The infrastructure projects include the North-South Commuter Railway System and the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase I under the Rail Transport Program; the Land Public Transportation Program; and the Aviation and Maritime Infrastructure Programs of the DOTr.

The DBM said the Rail Transport Program would receive more than 76.4 percent of the proposed budget for infrastructure development to facilitate the improvement and construction of modern railway systems.

“The investment will include projects, such as the North-South Commuter Railway System, the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase I, LRT (Light Rail Transit) Line 1 Cavite Extension Project, the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul Project, and the MRT (Metro Rail Transit) Line 3 Rehabilitation Project,” it said.

The DBM said about PHP76.3 billion would be allocated for the development of the North-South Commuter Railway System, which will connect New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac to Calamba, Laguna.

A total of PHP68.4 billion would be used for the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase I, which will consist of 15 stations from Valenzuela City to Pasay City.

The government will allot PHP4.7 billion for the LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension Project, which will add 11 km. to the existing railway system; PHP3.1 billion for the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul Project, which will reconstruct the PNR South Main Line; and PHP2.9 billion for the MRT 3 Rehabilitation Project.

The DBM said the Land Public Transportation Program would get some PHP6.4 billion for several infrastructure projects.

About PHP1 billion would be tapped for the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project; PHP909 million for EDSA Busway Project; PHP700 million for Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project; PHP500 million for Active Transport Bike Share System and Safe Pathways Program in Metropolitan Areas; and PHP263 million for EDSA Greenways Project.

The DBM said the Aviation Program, which focuses on modernizing and developing airports nationwide, would be allocated PHP6.1 billion.

“Investments include projects the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (PHP1.6 billion); Kalibo International Airport (PHP581 million); Laoag International Airport (PHP500 million); Tacloban Airport (PHP500 million); Busuanga Airport (PHP405 million); New Zamboanga International Airport (PHP300 million); New Manila International Airport (PHP200 million); Bukidnon Airport (PHP120 million); New Dumaguete Airport Development Project (PHP500 million); and the New Bohol Airport Construction and Sustainable Environment Protection Projects (PHP97 million),” it said.

To improve air traffic management, the DBM said PHP1.3 billion would be allotted to the new Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) System Development Project.

The DBM said the DOTr’s Maritime Infrastructure Program would receive PHP988 million, inclusive of PHP625 million for the Maritime Safety Enhancement Project and PHP134 million for the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase I.

It added that the budget for maritime infrastructure projects would be used to improve response to maritime incidents and enhance the conduct of maritime law enforcement and security operations.

“This push on infrastructure development is aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, and the country’s Medium-Term Fiscal Framework,” the DBM said.

In his Budget Message, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the significance of increasing the DOTr's funding in 2024, citing the vital role of transportation policy in driving sustainable economic growth.

“Transportation policy can have significant and lasting impacts on overall economic growth. Hence, with the urgent need to improve our country’s public mass transport system and reduce road congestion, we have doubled the budget for the DOTr from PHP106.0 billion in the FY (fiscal year) 2023 GAA (General Appropriations Act) to PHP214.3 billion for 2024," Marcos said.  By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency

The construction of the Tacloban causeway project that will provide a shorter route from the city’s downtown to the airport will commence soon after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secured the approval of the city council here, an official said on Thursday.

DPWH Eastern Visayas regional director Edgar Tabacon said the city council lifted its earlier resolution holding the project in abeyance after the agency was able to address the concerns raised by environmental groups by including enhancements to project designs.

“The project will start soon after the city council lifted their earlier resolution holding the project in abeyance. We hope this will be completed within the term of President (Ferdinand) Marcos (Jr.) in time for the opening of the new airport terminal building,” Tabacon told reporters.

He said that from the original 180-meter bridge, the enhancement will double the length of the bridge. Also, several box culverts with three meters in width and height will be added to allow free-water flow.

“With these enhancements, the project will now cost about PHP4 billion from the original PHP3.4 billion. The obligated fund of PHP800 million is just for the first phase,” he added.

Actual civil works were delayed despite the awarding of the contract earlier this year, when some groups and local government officials expressed apprehension over the project citing environmental issues.

The central government approved under the 2022 allocation the release of PHP800 million outlay for the initial implementation of the project. The budget will cover the construction of a 600-meter causeway.

Despite fund availability, the city council committee on the environment recommended last May to put the project on hold as it will affect the water quality of Cancabato Bay as raised by some local environmental groups.

The city council raised concerns almost one year after it passed a resolution on June 8, 2022, expressing support for the project.

In a social media post, Save Kankabatok Advocacy said a reduction in water flow will heavily impact the water quality, with low diversity and disturbed biotic communities.

The first of its kind in Eastern Visayas, the causeway will serve as an alternate route for motorists from the city’s commercial district going to the airport, reducing distance, travel time and vehicle operating costs.

This project involves the construction of a four-lane road embankment that spans about 2.55 kilometers with a bridge at the center. It will also feature separate bike lanes, concrete canals, sidewalks, as well as wave deflectors on both sides.

The causeway will cross Cancabato Bay starting at the city hall complex on Magsaysay Boulevard up to the Kataisan point of the Tacloban Airport in the city’s San Jose District. Travel time will be reduced to only 10 minutes from the current 45 minutes.

The structure will complement the future new airport terminal building designed to accommodate international flights.

Aside from being an alternative highway, the causeway will also shield communities from destructive waves.

The original plan was to build a tide embankment structure, but it was discontinued due to strong opposition by several property owners in the city’s populated coastal communities. By Sarwell Meniano

Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency

The United States Embassy in Manila raised concerns over the possible environmental impact and the "ties" of a Chinese firm to the ongoing Manila Bay reclamation projects in the capital.

In a statement sent to reporters Wednesday, the US Embassy in Manila said they are concerned that the projects have ties to the China Communications Construction Co. (CCCC) “which has been added to the US Department of Commerce’s Entity List for its role in helping the Chinese military construct and militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea”.

US Embassy spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhyay said the company “has also been cited by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank for engaging in fraudulent business practices”.

He said the US Embassy is in regular discussions with the Philippine government regarding the reclamation, including how it could potentially bring “negative long-term and irreversible impacts to the environment, the resilience to natural hazards of Manila and nearby areas, and to commerce”.

“We continue to support high quality, sustainable, and transparent investments to benefit the Filipino people and will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities on this matter,” he said.

In its official website, CCCC said its subsidiary China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. is currently undertaking the reclamation development project at Manila Bay in Pasay City, about five kilometers from downtown Manila and Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The main construction of the project includes backfilling to form three artificial islands and related supporting revetment structures, and foundation treatment.

The amount of backfilling is about 97.11 million cubic meters, and the amount of the dredging is about 15 million cubic meters.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was able to carry-out massive infrastructure development nationwide under the” Build Better More” Program in the first full year of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan discussed the administration’s infrastructure accomplishments at the Post-State of the Nation (SONA) Discussions held Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at the Hilton Hotel, Newport Boulevard, Pasay City.

From July 2022 to May 2023, a total of 4,082 kilometers of roads were constructed, maintained, widened, upgraded and rehabilitated; 497 bridges were constructed, widened, upgraded, rehabilitated and strengthened; 2,103 flood-control projects were completed; 4,038 classrooms were constructed; 216 kilometers of farm-to-market and 8 kilometers farm-to-mill roads were completed; 55 evacuation centers were built; and 6,002 rainwater collectors were installed.

In the same period, DPWH also completed the implementation of 138 kilometers of roads leading to tourism destinations under the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP) in convergence with the Department of Tourism; 81 kilometers of roads under the Roads Leveraging Linkages of Industry and Trade (ROLL-IT) Program with the Department of Trade and Industry; and 18 kilometers of roads under the KAlsada TUngo sa Paliparan, Riles at daungAN (KATUPARAN) Program in collaboration with the Department of Transportation.

Among the completed projects are: the 22.4-kilometer Pangasinan-Nueva Vizcaya Road; 511-meter Abusag Bridge along Baybayog-Baggao-Dalin-Sta Margarita Road, Baggao, Cagayan; 24.03-kilometer Alicia – Malangas Road in Zamboanga Sibugay; 15.35-kilometer Tampilisan – Sandayong Road in Zamboanga del Norte; 29.7-kilometer Lutiman – Guicam - Olutanga Road, Province of Zamboanga Sibugay; 11.6-kilometer Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project phase 1; and the Flood Risk Management Project Contract Package 2 along Cagayan De Oro River.

Moreover, Secretary Bonoan said that DPWH’s fund utilization has improved going from a disbursement rate of P668.3 Billion for the entire year of 2021 to P784.6 Billion in 2022 or an increase of P116.3 Billion or 17 percent.

In the same period this year, the disbursement rate increased by 15 percent as compared to the first semester of 2022. It increased by P55.3 Billion or from P358.6 Billion in 2022 to P413.9 Billion in 2023.

Moving forward, DPWH Secretary Bonoan said that President Marcos’ administration, recognizing the role of infrastructure development in the country’s economy, will continue to hasten the rollout of high-impact projects.

Philippine High Standard Highway Network Program:

Under the Build Better More Program, DPWH aims to increase the country’s High Standard Highways / Expressway from 523 kilometers to 1,963 kilometers. One of the priority projects in Mindanao is the on-going Davao City Bypass Construction Project which involves the construction of 2 – 2.3 kilometer mountain tunnels. While, the 8.02 kilometer - Segment A: Bago Aplaya-Times Beach (Talomo-Matina) Section of Davao City Coastal Road was inaugurated by the President last July 1, 2023.

Luzon Spine Expressway Network (LSEN) Program:

The Luzon Spine Expressway Network (LSEN) Program, which involves the construction of 1,073 kilometers of Expressways/High Standard Highways in Luzon, aims to reduce travel time from Ilocos to Bicol from 20 hours to just 9 hours.

One of the priority projects under the LSEN Program is the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road wherein the completion of Section 1, C3, Caloocan to España, Manila reduced travel time from Manila to NLEX from 45 minutes to 5 minutes. While the remaining 2.55 kilometer section is targeted to be completed in December 2023.

Another completed project is the 1.6 kilometer - E. Rodriguez to Merville Section of the C-5 South Link Expressway which was opened to traffic last August 14, 2022.

While, The Aliaga Interchange to San Juan Interchange Section of the Central Luzon Link Expressway and Subsection 4 –Silang (Aguinaldo) to Silang East Interchange of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway are targeted to be completed this year.

Another priority LSEN project is the extension of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) from Rosario to San Juan, La Union which was already approved by the Government last June 2023. The project aims to reduce travel time from Rosario La, Union to San Juan, La Union from 1 hour and 38 minutes to only 40 minutes

Metro Manila Logistics Improvement Program:

The Metro Manila Logistics Improvement Program involves the construction / improvement of 11 bridges (8,825 lineal meters) crossing Pasig river, Marikina river, and Manggahan floodway. Two (2) Design & Build Contracts for the construction of 3 new bridges crossing Pasig River and Manggahan floodway (North & South Harbor Bridge, Eastbank-Westbank Bridge 2 and Palanca-Villegas Bridge) started last April and May 2023.

Inter-Island Linkage Bridge Program:

The Inter-Island Linkage Bridge Program will provide seamless and inclusive connectivity thru the construction of 12 - short and long span bridges with an aggregate length of 90 kilometers.

The Government aims to obtain by November 2023 the loan approval for the civil works construction of the 32.15 kilometer - Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge. The completion of this mega bridge project will reduce travel time between Bataan and Cavite from 5 hours to less than 45 minutes.

The procurement of the Consulting Services for Detailed Engineering Design (DED) and Tender Assistance (TA) for the 32.47 kilometer - Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges Project is ongoing. Travel time from Panay Island to Negros Island will be shortened from the current 3-4 hours to about1 hour via the interlink bridges.

The 4.01 kilometer - Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge was broke ground last October 27, 2022. The project aims to reduce travel time from 55 minutes via RORO/ferry to 5 minutes.

The construction of Panguil Bay Bridge is targeted to be completed next year. Once completed, travel time between Tubod Municipality in Lanao Del Norte and Tangub City in Misamis Occidental will be reduced from 2.5 hours to just 7 minutes using the bridge.

Daang Maharlika (N1) and Nautical Highway Network Improvement Program:

DPWH will further improve and upgrade the main transportation artery of the country - the 3,082 kilometer - Daang Maharlika Highway (N1) which pays a vital role in disaster response and relief efforts, as it provides a primary means of transportation for emergency personnel, supplies, and evacuees during natural disasters.

Also, the widening, reconstruction, rehabilitation and upgrading of road sections and bridges along the 2,925 km. Nautical Highway Network is also being prioritized to improve inter-regional and inter-provincial connectivity.

Through the Build Better More program of the government, DPWH will continue and expand infrastructure development that will address the connectivity gap in the country and go beyond just building by incorporating sustainability, resiliency and advanced technology in infrastructure facilities.

Article courtesy of The Department of Public Works and Highways

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved on Wednesday the solicited proposal to rehabilitate and expand the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project.

In a briefing, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the PHP170.6-billion Solicited NAIA PPP Project is one of the three projects approved during a meeting with the President at Malacañan Palace.

Balisacan said the Solicited NAIA PPP Project is under the Department of Transportation and the Manila International Airport Authority.

He said the project aims to address "long-standing issues at NAIA, such as the inadequate capacity of passenger terminal buildings and restricted aircraft movement," and would help make NAIA be at par with the airports of neighboring countries.

"It aims to increase the current annual airport capacity from 35 million to at least 62 million passengers. The NAIA PPP Project also aims to increase air traffic movement from 40 to 48 per hour," Balisacan said.

"The project is also expected to improve the overall passenger experience and service quality to prevent long queues, lengthy waiting times, and other passenger inconveniences.”

Balisacan said NEDA expects to have the winning bidder within the year. 

He said the project would start as early as next year.

Aside from the NAIA rehabilitation project, the NEDA Board also approved the PHP7.48 billion Samar Pacific Coastal Road 2 Project and the PHP12.75 billion unsolicited proposal for the upgrade, expansion, operation, and maintenance of the Laguindingan International Airport Project.

Balisacan said the Samar Pacific Coastal Road 2 Project involves the construction of the Laoang 2 Bridge and Calomotan Bridge, and the improvement of existing roads between Laoang Island and mainland Samar Island with a total length of 15 km.

On the other hand, the unsolicited Laguindingan Airport PPP Project in Misamis Oriental aims to integrate concepts of “green” and “connected” airports into its design and operation and use digital technologies to enhance the passenger experience.

Balisacan said the NEDA Board also approved requests for reasonable changes in scope, cost, design, and or loan validity of four ongoing infrastructure projects.

These are the loan validity extension and implementation period extension of the PHP7.5-billion Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation or IDRR-CCA Measures in Low-Lying Areas of Pampanga Bay Project; extension of implementation period, loan validity, increase in cost, reallocation of loan proceeds, and change in scope and design of the PHP19.6-billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage 2 project; change in the project scope, decrease in cost, and extension of the implementation period for the PHP5.1-billion Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Stage 2; and the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit loan validity extension until Dec. 31, 2025.

Balisacan said the NEDA Board also confirmed the proposed adoption of a National Policy on Infrastructure Sector Master Plans.

"The policy aims to harmonize and rationalize the formulation of master plans for the infrastructure sector across the government. This is to ensure that the master plans are coordinated, synergistic, responsive to the emerging issues, and consistent with the sector’s priority development strategies," he said.

Balisacan said an executive order would be issued to strengthen its implementation nationwide.

Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, together with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan on Thursday, July 20, 2023 led the topping off ceremony of the new Senate Building Project being built inside Navy Village, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Also present during the topping off ceremony to commemorate the completion of building structure were Senators Loren Legarda, Nancy Binay, Cynthia Villar, Joel Villanueva, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Ralph Recto, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Ronald dela Rosa, and former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III; as well as DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain; former Undersecretary Antonio Molano Jr.; Project Directors Soledad Florencio, Benjamin Bautista, Rodrigo delos Reyes; Finance Service Director Genevieve Cuaresma; and Project Manager Jose Aguinaldo.

According to Secretary Bonoan, the ceremony represents a key milestone since the highest structural component of the building has finally been installed midway through construction.

“Today's ceremony signifies the nearing completion of this iconic new Senate Building that will provide a conducive work environment and bolster the productivity of our lawmakers and their staff,” said Secretary Bonoan.

The building is a representation of the Senate's vision, "Bagong Senado sa Ika-Dalawang Siglo”, which eyes a green, secure, practical and iconic workplace for the next generations of Senators and their staff.

With an allocation of P8.6 billion, the new Senate Building Project under the supervision of the DPWH Unified Project Management Office – Buildings Management Cluster, is being built within an area of 18,320 square meters.

When completed, the building will have four (4) towers with eleven (11) floors each and three (3) basements with a minimum of 1,200 parking spaces that can accommodate the required functions and operation of the Senate and its constituents.

The state-of-the-art design of the building incorporates Barong Tagalog to herald the Philippines iconic symbol for honor and Filipino culture.

DPWH aims to complete civil works on the new Senate Building by end of 2024.

Photo credit: Department of Public Works and Highways

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in the first ever steering committee meeting, has engaged the project stakeholders to ensure effective and coordinated implementation of detailed design and construction of the Road Network Development Project in Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao (RNDP-CAAM).

DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, designated by Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan as chairperson of the created steering committee for the implementation of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-assisted RNDP-CAAM, led the meeting in Iligan City on Thursday, July 6, 2023 with leaders of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM); the local chief executives and technical personnel of the various municipalities in Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao and North Cotabato; and other relevant agencies including military with a view to getting buy-in for the road project.

“The calibre of participants here today from the Bangsamoro Region is a strong testament of the commitment to join hands, take ownership, and surmount the challenges of the road infrastructure to be constructed in areas known as war zone in past to transform into an economic zone of the future”, said Senior Undersecretary Sadain.

The meeting presents an opportunity to tackle anticipated issues and concerns as early as now.

As leaders of people living in the project area are appropriately consulted and informed of the various activities along with potential impacts, the stakeholders will have the opportunity to participate and willingly collaborate to make a success of the project, added Senior Undersecretary Sadain.

Envisioned to strengthen connectivity between BARMM and other Regions, the RNDP-CAAM involves the construction and improvement of about 174.50 kilometers of access roads.

The meeting organized by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office - Roads Management Cluster I (Bilateral) headed by Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista includes agenda on the ongoing consultation and detailed engineering design of the 35.3-kilometer Parang-Balabagan Road, 19.8-kilometer Marawi City Ring Road, 7-kilometer Parang East Diversion Road, and 16.8-kilometer Manuangan-Parang Road.

While appreciating the unflinching support of JICA to the Philippine infrastructure development, the DPWH official also reminded stakeholders that the ultimate goal of the meeting was not just to build roads but to build a better future for Mindanao.

RNDP-CAAM is one of the many efforts of the government thru DPWH to ensure that Mindanao, the land of promise with limitless potential, will further rise as a prosperous island region through infrastructure facilities that will open more opportunities.

The project was proposed with the end in mind of promoting peace and stimulating economic development, especially in vulnerable, far-flung areas.

The 3.17-kilometer Panguil Bay Bridge Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Northern Mindanao is nearing the next phase of both approaches from Tangub City, Misamis Occidental and Tubod, Lanao del Norte meeting in the extra-dosed type center main bridge.

In his inspection, DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain reported to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan that the two (2)-lane inter-island bridge project across Panguil Bay is already more than 73 percent completed.

“With the project target to achieve 86 percent toward end of this year 2023 and full completion by first half of year 2024, over 400 manpower are deployed on-site working round the clock 24/7”, said Senior Undersecretary Sadain.

Others present at the project inspection are Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Project Directors Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim and Benjamin A. Bautista; Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario; and Project Managers Marlon B. Galerio, Reyderick Siozon, and Samuel Bayot.

A DPWH flagship infrastructure project, the construction of Panguil Bay Bridge is being implemented by UPMO - Roads Management Cluster II (Multilateral) headed by Project Director Hasim and direct project supervision of Project Manager Teresita V. Bauzon.

Costing ₱7.37 Billion, the bridge project made of pre-stressed concrete girders and an approach road is funded by a loan agreement between Government of the Philippines (GOP) and Export-Import Bank of Korea (Korea Eximbank).

Supportive of the DPWH INFRAgenda 2028 Strategic Plan of reducing travel time, the design and build of Panguil Bay Bridge will enhance transportation capacity and efficiency in contributing to Mindanao socio-economic development.

The project aims to have a seven (7)-minute inter-island connectivity with Tubod, Lanao del Norte and Tangub, Misamis Occidental as opposed to the present connectivity between Ozamiz City/ Tangub City and Tubod through Roll-On, Roll-Off (RoRo) vessel which has a travel time of about two (2) hours to two and a half (2.5) hours including loading and unloading time.

On the otherhand, the current land travel traffic over a distance of 100 kilometers is at two (2) hours to 2.5 hours.

Started on February 2020, the project is under the joint venture group of contractors composed of Namkwang Engineering & Construction Corp together with Gumgwang Construction Co., Ltd and Kukdong Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.

The project engineering consultants are Yooshin Engineering Corporation, Kyong-Ho Engineering & Architects Co., Ltd, and Pyunghwa Engineering Consultants Ltd.

Last 24th of March 2023, the Australian Government’s Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) initiative was officially launched in the Philippines to drive sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth through quality infrastructure.

Her Excellency HK Yu PSM, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, hosted the event at Conrad Manila. Also present were Dr. Benjamin E. Diokno, Department of Finance Secretary, and Mr Nicolas Moore, Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia.

Photo credit: The Department of Public Works and Highways

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Pre-Appraisal Mission of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) ended on Monday, July 3, 2023 the week-long detailed discussion for the proposed Dalton Pass East Alignment Road Project connecting the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya.

“We are very pleased with the progress we have made in our discussions with the JICA Pre-Appraisal Mission and we look forward to securing the support of the Government of Japan for the Dalton Pass East Alignment Road Project – an ambitious undertaking that aims to connect Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya while reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety”, said DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain.

The Minutes of Discussion for the Dalton Pass East Alignment Road Project between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines represented by DPWH and JICA was signed by Senior Undersecretary Sadain and Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista of Unified Project Management Office – Roads Management Cluster I (Bilateral) and Senior Deputy Director Yosuke Nishii and Assistant Deputy Director Keisuke Yamagami of JICA Southeast Asia Division 5 - Southeast Asia and Pacific Department.

JICA, an incorporated administrative agency in charge of administering Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), is one of the world’s largest bilateral aid agencies supporting infrastructure development in the Philippines by providing technical cooperation, ODA loans, and grant aid.

In his report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Sadain said that the JICA Pre-appraisal Mission from June 26 to July 3, 2023 also had detailed discussions with officials of the Department of Finance (DOF) and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

In light of the “Build Better More” program of the Marcos administration, the Dalton Pass East East Alignment Road is included in the NEDA updated lists of Infrastructure Flagship Projects.

During the Philippine President’s Official State Visit in Japan on February 8 to 12, 2023, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio have agreed on working toward early loan provision for the construction of the Dalton Pass East Alignment Alternative Road and two (2) other projects which have available completed feasibility studies under JICA grant namely the Central Mindanao High-Standard Highway and Second San Juanico Bridge.

Part of the Pan-Philippine Highway or Daang Maharlika which is the country’s backbone road network, the Dalton Pass Road section is the economic and transportation gateway between Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley Region.

The Dalton Pass East East Alignment Road with estimated construction cost of ₱37 Billion is a proposed four (4)-lane 23.5-kilometer road that will decongest heavy traffic and solve the problem of travelers who face regular closures at the current Dalton Pass due to natural disasters by delivering an alternative road that connects the cities and provinces of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija to Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya and vice versa.

The proposed project, categorized as High Standard Highway Road under DPWH High Standard Highway Master Plan, will have twin-tube long-distance tunnel and 10 bridges and considered for application under the Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP) Loan to ensure construction safety and efficiency as well as adequate and appropriate operation and maintenance upon its completion. Specifically, Japanese technologies and experiences will be applied in the areas of mountain tunnel excavation and construction method, facilities inside the tunnel such as communication and ventilation system, and operation and maintenance.

Article courtesy of The Department of Public Works and Highways