Shahroz Afzal
If you are a Filipino, you may want to learn more about the Latest Infrastructure Developments in the Philippines. These projects will have a huge impact on the country’s economy and the lives of ordinary people. Better transportation and improved internet services will make farming easier and raise the income of rural residents. Improved infrastructure will decrease the cost of doing business in the Philippines, entice more investors, and increase productivity. To get started, start reading this article and discover the benefits of these new projects for the Philippines.
Subic-Clark Railway Project
Arangkada Philippines 2010 recommended a national policy to decongest Manila Port and shift international container traffic to Batangas and Subic. The proposed light rail project will use already-completed facilities in Batangas and Subic and cost US$190 million for the first phase. Ultimately, the entire system will cost around US$1 trillion. Here are some highlights of the latest infrastructure developments in the Philippines.
The BBB project is well known for its scope and budget. 74% of the budget is allocated to transport infrastructure. Of the 119 infrastructure projects, 53 are located in Luzon. The country is on track to complete 119 infrastructure Philippines by June 2021. Forty-eight of these will be finished by 2022. The projects are in line with the priorities of the Philippine Development Plan. They are also expected to reduce the cost of doing business in the country and improve productivity.
Clark International Airport
The Philippines has always been a destination for international investors, and Clark International Airport is one of the most important of these projects. Located in Pampanga, it is a prime outsourcing location with the support of the Philippine government, better infrastructure, and less traffic. Compared to other parts of the country, utilities in Clark are significantly lower than in Manila. Aside from this, the cost of living in Clark is much cheaper as well.
The New Passenger Terminal Building at Clark International Airport is a world-class airport. The new terminal will feature high-speed Internet connectivity, thanks to PLDT fiber infrastructure and PLDT Clarktel. Both PLDT and Clarktel have committed to support LIPAD’s digital transformation. With its modern facilities, it will help in the country’s supply chain and trade. Further, it will be more user-friendly.
Davao Sasa Port
The PPP project, Davao Sasa Port, was introduced under the Aquino administration. It targets port capacity expansion, improved waterborne commerce flow, and foreign trades, while promoting regional development. However, it was initially earmarked at only P4 billion, but was eventually increased to P19 billion during the previous administration. The project involves modernizing and upgrading the existing Davao Sasa Port, while a private partner would be responsible for operations and maintenance.
While Davao Sasa Port is still in the planning stage, the international container terminal operator has expressed its interest in modernizing the facility. ICTSI’s senior vice president and head of the Asia Pacific region Christian Gonzalez said the company would definitely participate in the modernization. “We would certainly love to work on a project of this scale,” said Gonzalez. But, the question remains: Will ICTSI be able to maintain the existing port?
Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1
Several right-of-way agreements signed by companies in the Metro Manila Subway Project have accelerated the construction of the new train line. These companies include Ortigas & Company Limited Partnership, Blemp Commercials of the Philippines, and Megaworld Corporation. The project’s completion is expected in 2025, with partial operations expected to be in place by then. Once fully operational, the subway will accommodate more than one million passengers every day.
The railway line will have 15 underground stations and will run for 35 kilometers. This will make the travel time from Quezon City to the NAIA airport less than 35 minutes. The new rail system is expected to help decongest the capital area and provide a safe and reliable mass transportation system. According to Lamudi, property listings near stations will be in great demand. This, in turn, will drive property prices higher.
Southwest Terminal of the Integrated Transport System (ITS)
The first phase of the ITS project in the Philippines is expected to begin in April 2017. The concession agreement between the Philippine government and MWM Terminals outlines the terms for the PPP. The company will design and build the passenger terminal buildings and arrival and departure bays, as well as a public information system, ticketing and baggage handling facilities, and a park-ride facility. The company will also operate the entire facility, including commercial development.
The new terminal will feature a variety of security measures, including closed-circuit television cameras and baggage scanners. There will also be security personnel stationed around the clock. It will also be equipped with commercial spaces to ensure a steady stream of passengers. The Integrated Transport System was initiated by President Benigno Aquino III under Administrative Order No. 40, which established transport terminals in the north and south of the metropolis to help decongest Edsa.
