Marcos to DPWH: Finish infra projects on time, under budget

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure that the government's infrastructure programs would be finished on schedule and under its allocated budget.

"It continues to be my hope that everyone in the Department of Public Works [and Highways] will remain steadfast in its mandate as well as stay committed to fulfilling this administration’s 8-point socioeconomic agency, by committing to construct and finish critical infra projects on time, on schedule and under budget," Marcos said in his speech as he graced the DPWH's 125th anniversary held in Port Area, Manila.

"In line with this, I urge you to continue streamlining your procedures, preventing delays and cause overruns and enforcing transparency measures in all government projects and transactions," he added.

Marcos assured the agency that the entire government would work with it to make the bureaucracy more modern and more aware of new technologies and techniques for infrastructure projects.

Marcos also said the DPWH should ensure the inclusivity and accessibility of the designs of its projects. He added that the infrastructures should "physically survive" for many years.

"It is probably a good moment to shift the focus now beyond just physical infrastructure and embrace the concept of inclusive and accessible design," Marcos said.

"Acknowledge the needs of all individuals including people with disabilities, pregnant women, the elderly, the very young, incorporate elements of our culture and history into our infrastructure design to foster sense of pride and belonging amongst our communities," the President said.

This year's anniversary highlights the accomplishments of the Department and its contributions towards nation building. Under Marcos administration, the DPWH aims to continue to provide the public with much-needed infrastructure facilities.

Earlier, Secretary Manuel Bonoan had announced that over 70,000 projects would be enforced by the agency this year with a budget allocation worth P890 billion. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News