[OPINION] BUILD! BUILD! BUILD! on its Last Legs
by Michael Magdaog
The Build! Build! Build! (BBB) Program is the main project of the Duterte Administration that aims to set the “Golden Age of Infrastructure” in the Philippines. Pushing through with these projects will address the huge infrastructure backlog in the country that has long been cited as the “’ Achilles’ Heel“ of the Philippine economic development.
The BBB program aims to build and develop various vast infrastructure in the Philippines and create jobs for Filipinos as well. The budget to be spent for the BBB program is estimated around 8 to 9 trillion pesos. This program will be planned and implemented from 2017 to 2022. The BBB program will revolve around these three key infrastructure projects: The Subic-Clark Railway, The North-South Railway projects connecting Los Baños, Laguna to Tutuban, Manila and Clark Freeport in Pampanga, and expanded Clark International Airport in Pampanga.
WATCH: “DOTr Build, Build, Build Plans” courtesy of Rappler
First is the Subic-Clark Railway project, this is a component of the PNR Luzon System Development Framework, providing initial freight service between the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Clark Freeport. The project was initiated last 2016 and is expected to end on October 31, 2022. Second is the North-South Railway project, this is a proposed railway line between Metro Manila, the National Capital Region (NCR) of the Philippines, and Legazpi City, the capital of Albay province. The first phase of the commuter rail project between Tutuban in Manila and Malolos in Bulacan of the NSRP started last November 2018 and will commence operations in 2021. Lastly is the Clark International Airport Expansion project which aims to construct a new passenger terminal building to accommodate 8 million passengers per annum. The project was initiated last July 01, 2017, and was finished last August 2020.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Subic-Clark Railway, The North-South Railway, and the Clark International Airport Expansion project are the focal point of the BBB Program of the Duterte Administration. In the span of four years since President Duterte was elected, he led the innovation of the country through infrastructures that the country was lacking in the past years. Through these projects, many Filipinos will now experience a more advanced and faster way of commuting. President Duterte might not be admired by many people, but he introduced the Philippines to its “Golden Age of Infrastructure.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am Michael Angelo V. Magdaog Jr. an Opinion Writer for the Tigercubs in UST Angelicum College.
When it comes to writing, I always devote my time and effort so that I can produce an accurate and reliable article. I have always been fond of writing since I was in sixth grade which is why I have joined different organizations that are able to help me learn and grow as a writer.
Since I am an avid NBA fan, I collect NBA trading cards that I would put in a small collection book.
