Wednesday, July 21, 2021
What has ‘Build, Build, Build’ achieved so far?
29,264 kilometers of roads, 5,950 bridges, 214 airport and 451 seaport projects
NIGHT OWL
Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo
I began writing this piece on “Build, Build, Build” while on my way back to Manila from Tarlac after inaugurating the first 18-kilometer segment of Central Luzon Link Freeway with President Rodrigo Duterte, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, Senator Bong Go and Tarlac Governor Susan Yap.
The Central Luzon Link Freeway, which connects Tarlac and Nueva Ecija within 20 minutes, is part of the Luzon Spine Expressway Network, a masterplan aimed at reducing travel time from the northernmost part of Luzon, Ilocos, to the southern most part, Bicol, by over 50 percent via the construction of a 101-kilometer high standard highway network.
The event ended at about 8 o clock in the evening and we reached home a little before midnight. The following day, the call time was 5 a.m. Secretary Mark and I were going to Cebu to attend the inauguration of the 129-kilometer Metro Cebu bike lane network and inspect the Philippines’ longest bridgeway — the 8.5-kilometer Cebu-Cordova Link Bridge.
This was our normal routine for the past five years. While it was not easy to sustain — we wanted to leave office knowing we gave it everything that we got. To us, “Build, Build, Build” is an opportunity to leave the Philippines at a much better state than before. It was a chance to catapult our tiger cub economy to a trillion dollar club. Fate allowed us to venture on a gigantic task of making the lives of Filipino people in 81 provinces more comfortable.
The President’s instructions were clear from the onset: Finish as many “Build, Build, Build” projects as possible in the soonest possible time. Whoever gets the credit is none of our business.
Five years after since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed position, DPWH, under Secretary Villar, has completed a total of 29,264 kilometers of roads, 5,950 bridges, 11,340 flood control projects, 222 evacuation centers, 89 Tatag ng Imprastraktura Para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad (TIKAS) projects and 150,149 classrooms, and 653 COVID-19 facilities has also been built under the “Build, Build, Build” program.
Moreover, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), under Secretary Art Tugade, have completed 214 airport projects, 451 commercial and social/tourism seaport projects and the country’s first land port — the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).
29,264 kilometers of roads completed
Of the 29,264 kilometers of roads completed, 2,025 kilometers are farm-to-market roads, 94.99 kilometers are farm-to-mill roads, 1376.26 kilometers are missing links, 1,470.51 kilometers are bypasses or diversion roads, 149.65 kilometers lead to airports, 293.19 kilometers lead to seaports, 703.54 kilometers lead to economic zones and 2,436.40 kilometers lead to declared tourism destinations. A total of 3,122.73 kilometers were maintained, 4,686 kilometers widened and 3,591.96 kilometers rehabilitated and upgraded.
These includes the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10, the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, the Laguna Lake Highway, the Candon City Bypass Road in Ilocos Sur, the Slaughter House Road in Davao City, the Pulilan-Baliuag Diversion Road in Bulacan, the Calapan-Roxas Road in Oriental Mindoro, the Mandaue Causeway Road in Cebu, the Dipolog-Oroquieta Road in Misamis Occidental, the Dumaguete North Road in Negros Oriental, and the Taytay-El Nido Road in Palawan.
Of the 5,950 bridges, 1,366 were widened, 355 constructed, 1,805 bridges retrofitted, 1,389 rehabilitated and 297 replaced. About 738 local bridges were also built.
These include the Lucban Bridge in Cagayan, the Marcos Bridge in Marikina, the Sicapo Bridge in Ilocos Norte, the Pigalo Bridge in Isabela, the Anduyan Bridge in La Union, the Tallang Bridge along Cagayan, the Bolo-Bolo Bridge in Misamis Oriental, the Caguray Bridge in Occidental Mindoro, the Tinongdan Bridge, the Pasac-Culcul in Pampanga, the Aganan Bridge in Iloilo, the Maddiangat Bridge in Nueva Viscaya and the Pigalo Bridge in Isabela.
11,340 flood control projects
A total of 11,340 flood mitigation structures were completed since June 2016 to expand protected flood-prone areas across the country.
These include the Mandaluyong Main Drainage Project, the pumping stations at Barangays Wawang Polo and Coloong, the Flood Risk Management Project for Cagayan River, the Flood Risk Management Project for Tagoloan River, the Leyte Tide Embankment Project and the Pasig Marikina River Flood Control Project.
150,149 classrooms
To address the gap in physical facilities required for elementary and secondary schools nationwide, Villar noted that a total of 150,149 classrooms were constructed. Another 17,647 classrooms are in various stages of implementation.
These include the National High School in Alaminos, Pangasinan, the Alejandra Navarro National High School in Davao City and the Bagong Pag-Asa Elementary School.
214 airports completed
In the aviation and airports sector, the DOTr and its attached agencies have completed 214 airport projects under the Duterte administration, with 100 more ongoing.
Completed projects include the Bohol-Panglao International Airport, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the Sangley Airport in Cavite, the Lal-Lo International Airport, the Tacloban Airport, the Puerto Princesa International Airport and the Ormoc Airport.
Domestic airports also underwent improvements. These include the gateways in Camiguin, Virac, and Tuguegarao.
Meanwhile, ongoing airport projects include the Bicol International Airport which was delayed for 11 years and is now more than halfway complete; the second passenger terminal building of the Clark International Airport; the Davao International Airport; Bukidnon Airport; Surigao Airport; and Kalibo Airport.
451 commercial and social seaports
Across the archipelago, seaports are being upgraded and rehabilitated to better serve the public. Currently, the DOTr has completed 451 commercial and social/tourism seaport projects, while 101 are ongoing.
Notable port projects include the construction of the country’s biggest Passenger Terminal Building at the Port of Cagayan de Oro, and the rehabilitation of Opol Port in Misamis Oriental, Sasa Port in Davao, Butuan Port in Agusan Del Norte, Tubigon Port in Bohol, Limasawa Port in Southern Leyte, and General Santos (Makar Wharf).
The country’s first barge terminal, the Cavite Gateway Terminal, which aims to reduce truck traffic on major roads and offer a cost-effective access to goods between Manila and Cavite through the waterways, had been built.
On maritime safety, as of June 2021, we now have 564 out of 600 lighthouses operational nationwide.
Railways
For railways, DOTR has six projects with ongoing construction and one undergoing rehabilitation.
In 2019, after 40 years and six administrations, the Metro Manila Subway, our country’s first underground railway system, finally started with site-clearing works at the Valenzuela Depot. Two out of the 25 massive tunnel boring machines are already in the Philippines for the start of the underground works within 2021. This will reduce travel time between Quezon City and NAIA from one hour and 10 minutes to just 35 minutes.
The much-delayed MRT-7, whose Concession Agreement was signed in 2008 but had nearly zero movement until 2016, is now 60.93 percent complete. This will reduce travel time between Quezon City and Bulacan from 2-3 hours to just 35 minutes.
Approved by the NEDA Board in 2007 and stalled since 2009, the Common Station is now undergoing 24/7 construction, and is now 50.95 percent complete. The Common station, which will connect MRT-3, MRT-7, LRT-1, and the Metro Manila Subway, will have the capacity to accommodate 500,000 passengers per day.
The LRT-1 Cavite Extension, delayed for 19 years, finally started full-blast construction this year. This will reduce travel time between Baclaran and Bacoor from one hour 10 minutes down to 25 minutes.
The LRT-2 East Extension project is now completed and open to the public. The LRT-2 East Extension reduces travel time between Manila and Antipolo from two to three hours to just 40 minutes.
The MRT-3, battered from years of poor and erratic maintenance, is now undergoing comprehensive rehabilitation with Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan.
The Manila to Clark Railway, planned way back in 1993, is now undergoing full-blast construction with PNR Clark Phase 1’s first train set scheduled for delivery within the fourth quarter of 2021. This will reduce travel time between Tutuban and Malolos from one hour and 30 minutes to just 35 minutes.
PNR Clark Phase 2, PNR Calamba, PNR Bicol, Subic-Clark Railway, and the Mindanao Railway are all in the pipeline, and are now undergoing various stages of procurement and pre-construction work.
https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/21/what-has-build-build-build-achieved-so-far/
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
MPTC sees completion of P155-B Urban Ring Road network in 3-5 years
In three to five years, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) will complete its P155-billion ‘Urban Ring Road,’ a network linking expressways in all four directions of Metro Manila to make travel seamless for motorists.
So far, some parts of the road’s three expressway sections “have been completed, a few are under construction, while the rest are in the planning stage,” according to MPTC President and CEO Rodrigo E. Franco.
On the east of the ring are the C5 Expressway and C5 Southlink, and on the west is the NLEX-CAVITEX Port Expressway Link.
After MPTC acquired CAVITEX in 2010, “We realized we could build a ring road by linking our expressways in the northern and southern parts of Metro Manila, providing express access to and from all directions within the metropolis,” he explained.
Already, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) reported that the country “is losing P3.5 billion per day due to urban traffic congestion.”
This loss should be drastically reduced. “We know we are on the right track,” Franco stressed.
Based on traffic project studies, the ring road could reduce vehicle operating costs (VOCs), generate more jobs for workers during and after construction, lessen pollution, boost land values in areas around the expressways and enhance the quality of urban life.
“The tollway projects are interconnected, and their favorable socio-economic impact is cumulative,” Franco added.
The three interlinked expressway projects comprise the NLEX Urban Ring Road.
The two eastside urban expressway projects at Metro Manila are the C5 Expressway, for 2026 completion, and the C5 South Link to be completed in 2023.
The C-5 Expressway connects the segment extensions of NLEX main – Segments 8.1 and 8.2, which ends at C. P. Garcia Avenue.
The C5 Expressway (Section 1) begins where C. P. Garcia Avenue leaves off, proceeding to the Marcos Ave. Interchange, to Libis and Caruncho ramps, advancing to Ortigas and Lanuza Avenues, ending up in Pasig Boulevard.
Section 2 of C5 Expressway moves toward Bonifacio Global City through the Levi Mariano and Bayani Road interchanges – finally linking with C5 Southlink all the way to CAVITEX main toll plaza.
At the westside of Metro Manila, is the NLEX-CAVITEX Port Expressway Link, a six-lane 15.1 km. expressway.
The Link has three sections: Section 1, from the end of Radial Road 10 (R-10) Spur Road Ramp of NLEX, to Anda Circle in Manila. Section 2 starts at Buendia Avenue, traversing Roxas Boulevard and Diosdado Macapagal Avene – toward CAVITEX. Section 3 connects Anda Circle to Buendia.
Thousands of vehicles which traverse existing local roads will be redirectred to the expressways, reducing overuse and creating savings for the government,” according to Franco.
The savings could finance other priority projects.
Furthermore, the tollway expansion will finally match the capacity expansions of the Manila North and South Harbors — even the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI).
With this link, north-bound trucks would steer clear of the congested roads of Manila.
Faster travel time reduces gas consumption, minimizes vehicle wear and tear and translates to higher margins for truck operators.
As easier travel boosts business activity, malls, commercial establishments, and offices will need more people to run their businesses.
“This means more jobs during construction and after construction when these tollways are fully operational,” says Franco.
https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/20/mptc-sees-completion-of-p155-b-urban-ring-road-network-in-3-5-years/
Sunday, July 18, 2021
Saturday, July 17, 2021
Friday, July 16, 2021
Naga itinutulak na ideklara nang Highly Urbanized City
NAGA CITY- Itinutulak sa konseho na ideklara sa pamamagitan ng isang Presidential Proclamation bilang isa sa mga Highly Urbanized Cities ang Naga.
Sa Local Government Code nakasaad na highly urbanized ang isang lungsod kung umaabot na sa 200-libo ang populasyon. Sa tala ng Philippine Statistics Authority lumalabas na umabot na sa 209,170 noong 2020 ang populasyon mula sa 196,003 noong 2015.
6.3% ang itinaas ito. Sa 27 Barangays ang Concepcion Pequeña pa rin ang maraming nananahanan kung saan umabot na ito sa 25,139 at Dinaga ang may pinaka kaunti sa 344.
Ayon kay City Councilor Badong Del Castillo , malaking bagay ito sa iba pang benipisyo, mga programang ipatutupad ng Local at National Government
https://brigadanews.ph/naga-itinutulak-na-ideklara-nang-highly-urbanized-city/
Thursday, July 15, 2021
DOTr plans new Calamba train station
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will convert 22 hectares of land in Calamba City, Laguna province, into a depot for a new station of the Philippine National Railways (PNR).
The land will be used in building the Banlic Depot Site and Calamba Central Station, which is part of the DOTr’s bigger North-South Commuter Railway project.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on Tuesday said the rail line is expected to partially operate in the fourth quarter of 2025, while full operations are expected to commence by 2028.
With the new railway link, commuters can travel from Alabang in Muntinlupa to Calamba in half an hour, Clark in Pampanga in one hour and 30 minutes, and Makati to Calamba in one hour. —MARIEJO S. RAMOS
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1459811/dotr-plans-new-calamba-train-station
PNR Calamba construction to employ 10,000 next year
The Department of Transportation expects to start the construction of the 56-kilometer, P344.6-billion PNR Calamba line next year that will generate more than 10,000 direct jobs.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the project would provide employment opportunities not only for residents of Calamba but also from nearby municipalities.
He said employees and students would benefit from the operation of the PNR Calamba project which would significantly cut travel time between Metro Manila and Laguna, enabling them to spend more time with their families.
Tugade said the completion of the project would also boost local and regional economic development.
“If we are going to complete this, this would lift the economy of Calamba. Remember, this is a historical site. Imagine the benefits it would generate for tourism,” Tugade said.
One of the flagship projects of the “Build, Build, Build” program of the Duterte administration, PNR Calamba is the third leg of the massive North-South Commuter Railway project. It will connect Metro Manila (Solis St., Tondo) and Calamba, Laguna and reduce travel time from four hours to just one hour.
The 56-kilometer railway project is expected to serve at least 340,000 passengers a day during its partial operations. Ridership is expected to increase up to 550,000 passengers once the railway is on full operation by 2028.
Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Asian Development Bank, PNR Calamba’s 19 stations are located across five cities in Metro Manila and six cities in Laguna.
It will connect to the first two sections of the North-South Commuter Railway. Phase 1 of the NSCR Project is the construction of the P149.13-billion Malolos to Tutuban commuter railway that will be seamlessly integrated to the P283-8 billion PNR Clark Phase 2.
PNR Clark Phase 2 is a 54-kilometer rail line, which will connect Malolos, Bulacan and Clark, Pampanga.
The project will also feature the country’s first-ever Airport Express, which is expected to reduce travel time from Clark International Airport in Pampanga to Makati City to about an hour.
The PNR Clark Phase 1 segment of NSCR, or the Tutuban-Malolos line, was scheduled to be partially operational by December 2021. It will be followed by the PNR Clark Phase 2 project, a 53-km northern segment.
The DOTR earlier announced plans to launch bidding for the operations and maintenance contracts for the Metro Manila Subway Project and North South Commuter Railway System.
DOTR Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said the agency was expecting an approval from the National Economic and Development Authority to bid out the O&M for the two projects by the third quarter of 2021.
Dubbed as the “Project of the Century,” the P355-billion Metro Manila Subway is expected to serve 370,000 passengers daily in its first year of full operations.
‘PNR Calamba project to create 10K jobs’
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Calamba project will generate 10,000 direct jobs once its construction starts next year.
“It is important to note that the project will provide more than 10,000 jobs during its construction phase. It is also important to note that this is just direct jobs,” he said, noting that it will also generate indirect jobs related to construction.
He added that the project will provide significant benefits to employees and students.
“The benefit of this project is that we will have faster mobility. Those who will benefit from these are mainly students going to their schools and workers going to their place of work,” Tugade said.
Aside from this, Tugade also expects the train system to “boost local and regional economic development.”
“Once we complete this, we are sure that the economy of Calamba, Laguna will expand. Remember, this is a historical site. Imagine the benefits it would generate for tourism.”
The PNR Calamba is the third phase of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project. The 56-kilometer railway aims to connect Metro Manila via Solis St., Tondo and Calamba, Laguna and cut travel time from current four hours to just one hour.
It is expected to serve at least 340,000 passengers a day during its partial operations, while ridership is expected to increase up to 550,000 passengers once the railway is on full operation in 2028. It will have 19 stations.
The project is funded by an official development assistance package from the Asian Development Bank and the the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
In May, Tugade said the train cars for the NSCR are set to arrive in the fourth quarter. He said the actual train cars will arrive in December, while a training simulator for the first phase of the PNR Clark Phase 1 will arrive between September and October. The DOTr chief has ordered the immediate completion of the first two segments of the NSCR project. So far, he said, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Clark Phases 1 and 2 are “on track.”
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/14/pnr-calamba-project-to-create-10k-jobs/