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P1.148 trillion outlay has been proposed for the Marcos administration’s “Build Better More” infrastructure development program in the P5.77 trillion 2024 national spending plan
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Included in the BBM program’s allocation are a P176.4-billion budget for the Department of Transportation and P801.2 billion for the Department of Public Works and Highways
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Works for funding include the North-South Commuter Railway System and Metro Manila Subway Project Phase I
A P1.15-trillion budget outlay has been proposed for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Build Better More” infrastructure program out of the P5.77 trillion 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP) submitted by the Department of Budget and Management to the House of Representatives on August 2.
The P1.42-trillion allocation for the BBM program in next year’s budget is equivalent to 5.3% of the country’s gross domestic product and includes a P176.4-billion outlay for public infrastructure projects of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and an P801.2 billion funding for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
These include the North-South Commuter Railway System (NSCR) and the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) Phase I under the Rail Transport Program; the Land Public Transportation Program and the Aviation and Maritime Infrastructure Programs of the DOTr.
In his budget message, Marcos said there is a need to improve the mass transport systems and reduce road congestion to further boost economic growth.
A part of DOTr’s budget, P163.7 billion, will be allocated to the Rail Transport Program, which seeks to improve the country’s current railway systems and build new ones.
The funding will be used to develop the NSCR (P76.3 billion); MMSP Phase 1 (P68.4 billion); Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 Cavite Extension Project (P4.7 billion); Philippine National Railways South Long-Haul Project (P3.1 billion); and Metro Rail Transit 3 Rehabilitation Project (P2.9 billion).
The Land Public Transportation Program, which aims to improve and modernize public transport in the country, will receive P6.4 billion in 2024.
Aviation
The aviation program of the DOTr, meanwhile, will receive P6.1 billion in 2024 with the aim of modernizing and globalizing the country’s airports.
A total of P1.3 billion will be allocated to the new Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) System Development Project to improve air traffic management in airports nationwide.
Maritime
The DOTr’s Maritime Infrastructure Program will receive P988 million, including P625 million for the Maritime Safety Enhancement Project.
Another P134 million will go to the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase I to improve response capabilities in maritime incidents and enhance the conduct of maritime law enforcement and security operations.
The Convergence and Special Support Program of the DPWH will get P26.6 billion for building or improving access roads to tourist destinations, airports, railway stations, seaports, trades, industries, and economic zones in 2024.
DPWH also allocated P822.2 billion to build, maintain and rehabilitate roads and bridges nationwide.
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