“Collaboration between the government and the private sector is crucial to realizing these benefits”
As A Filipino consumer, I have watched with anticipation as our nation embarks on an ambitious push to modernize and enhance our infrastructure.
The government’s “Build Better More” initiative, highlighted in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address in 2023, promises to boost economic efficiency by improving transportation and reducing costs and time for the movement of goods and services.
The Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 stresses the need for infrastructure investment to address inadequacies and enhance connectivity, including water resources and social infrastructure.
The National Economic and Development Authority has approved 194 projects worth P9 trillion, showcasing the government’s commitment.
At the recent Philippine Economic Briefing in Manila, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista highlighted over 155 projects in the Transportation Modernization Program.
The DOTr oversees 69 Infrastructure Flagship Projects out of 185, totaling P5,789.13 billion (63 percent of the total indicative cost).
Since November 2022, investment-approved projects by the DOTr amount to P369.3 billion.
The department aims to accelerate builds through improved project identification, diversified funding, and better implementation strategies.
The private sector plays a crucial role in achieving the ambitious objectives outlined in the PDP, with major local and multinational players actively responding and committing as long-term partners.
A notable player in this domain is ACCIONA, a global leader in sustainable infrastructure development.
Their Southeast Asia headquarters in Manila demonstrates their commitment to the Philippines and t he region.
Among ACCIONA’s notable achievements is the Cebu-Cordova Bridge, an 8.5-kilometer engineering marvel that boosts regional economic growth, tourism, and urban development by enhancing connectivity, reducing travel time, and alleviating traffic congestion.
Meanwhile, the Malolos-Clark Railway Line 02 and Line 04 projects will revolutionize the country’s transportation by introducing the first-ever Airport Railway Express Service, connecting Makati to Clark in just 55 minutes.
Additionally, the South Commuter Railway Project 02 will transform Manila’s transit system, reducing travel time along the 147-kilometer NSCR from Clark Airport to Calamba.
ACCIONA’s expertise extends to water infrastructure, exemplified by the Laguna Lake Drinking Water Treatment Plant with a 150,000 cubic meter per day capacity, addressing water quality issues.
The East Bay Water Treatment Plant in Pakil, Laguna, and the Tseun Kwan O Desalination Plant in Hong Kong highlight ACCIONA’s advanced solutions for water scarcity.
Through ACCIONA Energía, the company acquired an 80% stake in Freya Renewables, adding 880MW of renewable energy projects, including a 150MW solar plant in Daanbantayan, Cebu, the nation’s first public-private partnership in solar power.
ACCIONA is also developing a 156MW wind farm in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, and constructing the 100MW Kalayaan 2 wind farm in Laguna Province.
These initiatives support the national goal of increasing renewable energy to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
The impact of ACCIONA’s investments extends beyond infrastructure improvements.
These projects create thousands of quality green jobs, promoting sustainable economic development and upskilling our workforce.
Local businesses benefit from supply chain opportunities and capability-building, fostering a more robust and self-reliant economy.
The successful performance and long-term commitments of ACCIONA are a confidence booster for potential investors, attracting more foreign direct investments into the Philippines.
This influx of investments further propels our economic growth, making our nation more competitive on the global stage.
ACCIONA’s social responsibility shines through initiatives like the “Light at Home” program, which provides solar home systems to underserved households in Palawan.
This offers reliable, clean power, enhancing economic opportunities and community services while reducing health hazards from polluting lamps, ensuring even remote communities’ benefit.
Additionally, ACCIONA’s proposed livelihood training program with the Public Employment Service Office of Mabalacat City targets unemployed or underemployed women who are solo parents or breadwinners.
It provides skills in housekeeping and personal development, empowering women and promoting inclusivity, gender equality, and economic independence.
As Filipino consumers, we have been longing for the transformative impacts of these innovative projects and have the shared aspiration to live a brighter, more inclusive, and sustainable future.
Collaboration between the government and the private sector is crucial to realizing these benefits.
It is imperative for both the government and private sector to work together to build a more connected, efficient, resilient, and prosperous Philippines.
