January 7th, 2:50am January 8th, 10:29am Elmer N. ManuelArticles

Thousands of jobs are expected to be generated this year as the Duterte administration’s flagship “Build, Build, Build” program, aimed at easing the lack of infrastructure in the country, goes into high gear.

It is looking into at least 900,000 to 1.1 million local jobs to be created, higher than the 826,000 jobs generated in 2018

Higher demand seen in the manufacturing, wholesale and retail, services, transportation and logistics sectors in 2019 has made the government optimistic that it will be a fruitful year for Filipino jobseekers as it is looking into at least 900,000 to 1.1 million local jobs to be created, higher than the 826,000 jobs generated in 2018.

Years of underspending, poor planning, alleged corruption-ridden or lopsided deals that hinder the government’s goal of inclusive progress have been blamed on infrastructure deficiency which the Duterte administration is trying to address.

And the job of removing the Philippines from the world’s “worst performers” list in terms of infrastructure falls on the Departments of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Transportation (DoTr).

The DPWH is tasked to further develop the road networks in the country, while the DoTr is overseeing improvements in aviation, maritime, railways and utility vehicles. Both agencies are to execute projects through the formulation of road maps and “evidence-based studies” that will promote the use of mass transit systems all while ensuring the development of roads and highways especially in dense urban areas.

The targets of both agencies are within the guidelines of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG) — otherwise known as Global Goals which is a universal call to action to end poverty and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

The UN-SDG — of which the Daily Tribune is a media partner — targets sustainable and resilient technological advancement in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and infrastructure support.

Since kicking off the flagship project, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the agency had delivered three big-ticket airport infrastructure projects: the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 2, the New Bohol Panglao International Airport and the expanded Puerto Princesa International Airport.

It also started building the second terminal at Clark International Airport and the construction of the 11-year delayed Bicol International Airport.

And the job of removing the Philippines from the world’s “worst performers” list in terms of infrastructure falls on the Departments of Public Works and Highways and Transportation.

And this year, Tugade said five big-ticket projects will start — the PNR Bicol, LRT Line 1 Extension, Subic-Clark Cargo Railway, MRT Rehabilitation Project and the Mindanao Railway Project.

DoTr Sec. Arthur Tugade inspecting works at the Manila Skyway. (BBB image)