The Marcos administration is pumping funds into major infrastructure projects across key government agencies to prop up the economy and sustain employment amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, ordering a catch-up plan to ensure all programs are delivered on time this year.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto convened officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Education to align on implementation timelines and deliverables.
“Nakita naman po natin ngayon na may catch-up plan din pagdating sa mga projects na ‘yan. Malinaw po ‘yung usapan na maaabot po natin ‘yung target, dahil na-release na rin po ‘yung pondo para sa mga mahahalagang infrastructure projects through our Department of Budget and Management,” Executive Undersecretary Georgina Hernandez-Yang told DZRH News program Special on Saturday on May 16.
Yang said the meeting was called to ensure that public sector spending, particularly on infrastructure, remains on track as the government looks to pump-prime the economy and generate employment amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.
She said construction-related employment under DPWH, DOTr, and DA represents a significant portion of the country’s labor force, making timely project implementation critical to sustaining economic activity.
The DepEd classroom construction program was also specifically flagged as among the priority programs that must be delivered on time this year.
“Mayroon po tayong plano para siguraduhin na on track at on time ‘yung lahat ng mga programang ito na itinalagang magawa sa taong ito,” Yang said.
Yang acknowledged that rising fuel prices driven by the Middle East conflict may have a downstream impact on construction material costs, but said this will be addressed through the proper procurement process once it arises.
“‘Yung mga bagay na ‘yan, mapag-uusapan at dadaan lahat sa tamang proseso ‘pag natapos po ang procurement process,” she said.
Yang said the availability of funds has been secured and confirmed, and that all covered agencies are ready to proceed with implementation of their respective programs.
