PH climbs up in world infra rankings

MANILA — The Philippines climbed up to 87th place from the previous 114th place in this year’s World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report ranking in overall quality of road network and state infrastructure.

President Aquino announced the country’s moving up in the global list during his speech at the 117th anniversary celebration of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at the agency’s Port Area, Manila, head office on Monday.

“It’s clear that your perseverance has improved the lives of our countrymen who have always hoped for improved infrastructure services,” he said.

Aquino praised the department for its “quality of management” and “honesty” in giving service to the public.

“The former poster boy for irregularities has become a model of good and efficient governance,” Aquino said.

He also commended the department’s effective public service citing the ISO 9001:2008 Certificate for Quality Management System for the DPWH.

The ISO is an international standard-setting body comprised by member-representatives from various national standards and organizations.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson also said that receiving the certificate was a “milestone in the history” of the department citing how it took them two years to qualify and obtain it.

Aquino also called Singson the “foreman”  in the efficient implementation of the projects of the department and for pushing for reforms.