President Aquino: Continued reforms allow gov’t to bolster infrastructure spending

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of the Bohol Fabrication Laboratory (FABLAB) Shared Service Facility Project and the 1st FABLAB Asian Network Boot Camp and Conference at the Bohol Island State University (BISU) in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on Friday (May 02). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday assured the Filipinos that the government will continue to implement reforms to bolster funding for infrastructure vital to boosting business and tourism.

“Ang sinisiguro ko naman po sa inyo: patuloy ang pagpapatupad natin ng mga reporma upang maging mas pangmatagalan ang mga tinatamasa nating kaunlaran,” President Aquino said in his speech at the inauguration of the Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue road widening project in Iloilo City.

The Chief Executive said his administration has intensified the implementation of good governance reforms.

He cited as an example the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under Secretary Rogelio Singson that saved P26.38 billion in about four years due to enhanced bidding process.

President Aquino said the government is increasing infrastructure spending from P200.3 billion in 2011 to P404.3 billion this year.

He said the amount will be used to construct roads, bridges, buildings and other projects that promote the welfare of Filipinos.

The President said the concrete transformation the country achieved could provide more opportunities for people.

“Dadami ang negosyong magbubunsod ng trabaho; bibilis ang pagdating ng mga turista mula sa loob at labas ng bansa; matitiyak nating hindi kukulangin sa patubig ang pananim ng ating mga magsasaka; dadali ang pagdadala ng ani mula bukirin tungo sa mga merkado hanggang sa hapag-kainan ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.

President Aquino cited as an example the new Iloilo road widening project that will shorten travel time not only of city residents but also of investors and tourists visiting the area.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive said the detailed engineering and design for Stage 2 of Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project will be completed by August.

“Isa po ito sa mga pangunahing proyektong irigasyon ng ating pamahalaan, at kapag nakumpleto ay magiging kauna-unahang large-scale reservoir dam sa labas ng Luzon. Lahat po ng ito ay bahagi ng malawakan nating estratehiya upang siguruhing makasabay ang bawat Pilipino, lalo na sa mga kanayunan, sa tinatamasa nating pagbabago,” the President added.