Philippine infrastructure projects should be climate, disaster-resilient –solon

Philippine infrastructure projects should be resilient against climate change and various natural disasters that hit the country, a solon said Friday.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co, at the hearing for the 2023 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget, asked the agency to utilize new technologies for the faster completion of infrastructure projects.

“Faster computing power and innovations in materials science now allow for infrastructure design and construction to finish faster—in weeks or even days. Our DPWH must use these new technologies to allow our citizens to enjoy our roads, bridges, school buildings, and other similar projects earlier,” said Co.

“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,” he added.

The DPWH is asking for P718.36 billion for 2023.

Meanwhile, members of the committee raised concerns over the department's unused funding for 2020 and 2021 amounting to P83 billion and P87.6 billion, respectively.

Asked about its unutilized budget for 2022, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said that the department had accomplished around 90% of its targets.

Bonoan was also confident that this would increase to 95% by year-end.

On the unused P1.4 billion of the DPWH’s Quick Response Fund in 2021, Bonoan said the department had a balance of P1.3 billion as of August 31, which he planned to use before the end of the year.

Several congressmen also sought to discuss traffic congestion and flooding caused by delays in the completion of projects.

Co, for his part, said the department faced many challenges and required 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,” the lawmaker added. — DVM, GMA News