Infrastructure Development
A recent BusinessWorld report highlighted a 23.1 percent increase
in government spending on infrastructure during the first two months of
2025.
This surge in investment, reaching ₱148.3 billion, underscores the
government's proactive approach to enhancing public works
projects-especially ahead of the elections, according to the Department of
Budget and Management (DBM).
The DBM attributes this upward trend primarily to the commendable
disbursement performance of the Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH).
It is particularly encouraging to see the completion of carryover projects
and the timely payment of right-of-way settlements, alongside
disaster-related civil works.
Growth in infrastructure spending is also said to be bolstered by
contributions from development partners, which include significant projects
implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Ongoing initiatives-such as the North-South Commuter Railway Extension
Project and other public transport modernization efforts-not only drive
progress but also strengthen the country's transportation network,
ultimately benefiting communities across the nation.
The robust overall infrastructure disbursements, which increased by 19.3
percent to ₱182.9 billion, are a testament to the government's commitment
to supporting local government units and ensuring the effective allocation
of funds.
This growth in spending is crucial, as it paves the way for improved public
services and mobility-both essential for fostering economic growth and
long-term stability.
While it was anticipated that infrastructure spending might temporarily
slow in April due to election-related constraints, it is reassuring to know
that disbursement momentum is expected to resume once the election ban is
lifted.
The DBM's proactive measures-such as exempting key infrastructure projects
from the ban-demonstrate a thoughtful approach to balancing democratic
processes with the urgent need for continued development.
Economists, including experts from Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. and
Oikonomia Advisory and Research, express optimism about the infrastructure
investment outlook for the year. Their insights suggest the potential for
faster growth in spending, supported by declining interest rates and
increased fiscal capacity-an encouraging sign for all stakeholders.
Ultimately, the government's infrastructure program-targeted at ₱1.538
trillion, equivalent to 5.4% of GDP-reflects a strong commitment to the
nation's growth trajectory.
Continued investment in infrastructure not only enhances our immediate
surroundings but also lays a solid foundation for long-term economic
resilience.
The recent increase in infrastructure spending-especially by the DPWH and
the DOTr-is a promising development that reflects positively on our
government's priorities and its potential to drive significant advancements
in public welfare, mobility, transportation, and economic growth.
A recent BusinessWorld report highlighted a 23.1 percent increase
in government spending on infrastructure during the first two months of
2025.
This surge in investment, reaching ₱148.3 billion, underscores the
government's proactive approach to enhancing public works
projects-especially ahead of the elections, according to the Department of
Budget and Management (DBM).
The DBM attributes this upward trend primarily to the commendable
disbursement performance of the Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH).
It is particularly encouraging to see the completion of carryover projects
and the timely payment of right-of-way settlements, alongside
disaster-related civil works.
Growth in infrastructure spending is also said to be bolstered by
contributions from development partners, which include significant projects
implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Ongoing initiatives-such as the North-South Commuter Railway Extension
Project and other public transport modernization efforts-not only drive
progress but also strengthen the country's transportation network,
ultimately benefiting communities across the nation.
The robust overall infrastructure disbursements, which increased by 19.3
percent to ₱182.9 billion, are a testament to the government's commitment
to supporting local government units and ensuring the effective allocation
of funds.
This growth in spending is crucial, as it paves the way for improved public
services and mobility-both essential for fostering economic growth and
long-term stability.
While it was anticipated that infrastructure spending might temporarily
slow in April due to election-related constraints, it is reassuring to know
that disbursement momentum is expected to resume once the election ban is
lifted.
The DBM's proactive measures-such as exempting key infrastructure projects
from the ban-demonstrate a thoughtful approach to balancing democratic
processes with the urgent need for continued development.
Economists, including experts from Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. and
Oikonomia Advisory and Research, express optimism about the infrastructure
investment outlook for the year. Their insights suggest the potential for
faster growth in spending, supported by declining interest rates and
increased fiscal capacity-an encouraging sign for all stakeholders.
Ultimately, the government's infrastructure program-targeted at ₱1.538
trillion, equivalent to 5.4% of GDP-reflects a strong commitment to the
nation's growth trajectory.
Continued investment in infrastructure not only enhances our immediate
surroundings but also lays a solid foundation for long-term economic
resilience.
The recent increase in infrastructure spending-especially by the DPWH and
the DOTr-is a promising development that reflects positively on our
government's priorities and its potential to drive significant advancements
in public welfare, mobility, transportation, and economic growth.