The Bagong Pilipinas: Build Better More Program is a groundbreaking move by the Philippine government under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., designed to propel the nation into a new era of development through a substantial infrastructure overhaul. With a staggering budget of ₱9 trillion, the program is set to roll out 194 infrastructure projects spanning key sectors such as transportation, power, and agriculture. This effort not only aims to build on the accomplishments of the previous “Build! Build! Build!” program but also to tackle long-standing infrastructure gaps that have hampered the country’s growth. The program’s foundation is the government’s pledge to dedicate about 5 to 6 percent of the GDP to infrastructure from 2023 to 2028, aligning with the strategies laid out in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.
Targeted at enhancing the connectivity, economic vitality, and overall social fabric of the Philippines, the Build Better More Program promises to deliver a myriad of benefits. These include the expansion of market opportunities for MSMEs, creation of high-quality jobs with competitive wages, and significant reduction in business costs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the promotion of innovation and aims to boost the country’s global competitiveness. The ambitious lineup of Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) under this program, valued at approximately PHP 8.3 trillion, underscores the government’s unprecedented investment in the nation’s future. While the program directly caters to sectors involved in its myriad projects, the ripple effects of enhanced infrastructure are expected to benefit all Filipinos by uplifting living standards and opening new economic opportunities.
What is the Bagong Pilipinas: Build Better More Program?
The Bagong Pilipinas: Build Better More Program represents a major project by the Philippine government under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aimed at accelerating the country’s development through an extensive infrastructure overhaul. This program embodies the vision of a New Philippines, marked by enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and a unified effort towards national advancement.
Significance of the Program
The “Bagong Pilipinas: Build Better More” program signifies a major push for Philippine development, allocating ₱9 trillion pesos to construct 194 infrastructure projects across crucial sectors like transportation, power, and agriculture. This ambitious plan, with a ₱9 trillion budget and 194 projects, builds upon the successes of the previous “Build! Build! Build!” program. It aims to address long-standing infrastructure deficiencies in transportation, power, and agriculture, potentially creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. The program’s significance is underscored by House Resolution No. 679 of 2023, which highlights early accomplishments like the completion of thousands of kilometers of roads, bridges, and flood control projects since 2022. However, the long-term economic impact, particularly on job creation, is yet to be fully evaluated. Additionally, concerns regarding transparency in project allocation and execution need to be addressed to ensure the program truly benefits all Filipinos.
Legal Basis
This program is rooted in the government’s commitment to allocate an annual budget for infrastructure, which is about 5 to 6 percent of the GDP from 2023 to 2028. It’s aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, serving as the country’s blueprint for medium-term development, focusing on transformative infrastructure projects.
Benefits
The benefits of the Build Better More Program are vast, encompassing economic, social, and practical aspects of life in the Philippines. Some highlights include:
- Expansion of market opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
- Creation of high-quality, resilient jobs with better wages.
- Significant reduction in the cost of doing business in the Philippines.
- Promotion of innovation and enhancement of the country’s competitiveness on a global scale.
- Improved accessibility and safety of infrastructure for all Filipinos.
The program involves 194 Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) with an estimated value of around PHP 8.3 trillion, showcasing the government’s unprecedented investment in the nation’s future.
Eligibility / Qualifications
The program targets various sectors, including public transportation, power, healthcare, IT, water resources, and agriculture. While direct eligibility for the program applies mainly to organizations and sectors involved in these areas, the indirect benefits extend to all Filipinos, aiming to uplift the standard of living and provide more opportunities for economic participation.
Requirements
For entities looking to participate in the Build Better More Program, especially through public-private partnerships, requirements include:
- Compliance with Philippine legal and regulatory standards.
- Demonstrated capacity for project implementation.
- Commitment to quality, sustainability, and inclusivity in project execution.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Benefit from the Program
- Identify Opportunities: Understand which projects under the program align with your sector or community needs.
- Engage with Relevant Agencies: Contact government agencies or the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for information on participation.
- Prepare Documentation: Ensure all necessary documents, proposals, and compliance papers are in order.
- Submit Proposals: For private sector entities, submit project proposals or bids as per the guidelines provided by the government.
- Implementation: Collaborate with government bodies for the successful execution of projects.
- Monitor and Evaluate: Participate in regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure the project meets its goals and benefits the community.
Impact of the Build! Build! Build! Project
As the predecessor of the Marcos administration’s Build Better More Project, let’s take a look at the impact of the previous administration’s Build Build Build Project to give us some insight into what we can hope to expect in the remaining years of the current administration, and in the years to come.
The Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program envisioned a “golden age of infrastructure” through a comprehensive list of projects. As of April 2022, while some key projects like the MRT-3 rehabilitation and Clark International Airport expansion were completed, only 12 out of the ambitious 119 flagship projects were finished. While officials highlight the program’s success in boosting infrastructure spending as a percentage of GDP, the overall impact remains a topic of debate. Completion rates, long-term economic benefits, and public perception are all important factors in evaluating the program’s true success.
Recent Updates
NEDA Board Approves 23 New Infrastructure Projects, Including Davao City Bypass Construction Project
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has given the green light to 23 new Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) as part of the Build-Better-More Program. One of the approved projects is the construction of the 45-kilometer Davao City Bypass.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Wednesday that the government is committed to enhancing productivity by implementing the Build Better More program. This program aims to improve infrastructure and attract investments, ultimately improving the living conditions of Filipinos.
GMR Group, an Indian conglomerate, shows keen interest in investing in the Philippines, focusing on infrastructure projects such as airports, roads, and energy. This comes as the Marcos administration launches the “Build Better More” program, aiming to drive extensive infrastructure development in the country.
Video: BBM VLOG #239: Build Better More Program | Bongbong Marcos
The Build Better More program aims to enhance the robust, modern, and high-quality infrastructure in the Philippines. Under this effort, various projects are planned for digital connectivity, energy, agriculture, tourism, flood control, and more, catering to every sector of society. This is the path towards a New Philippines! Check out this vlog from the presidential team to learn more.
Conclusion
The Bagong Pilipinas: Build Better More Program is more than just an infrastructure project; it’s a comprehensive plan aimed at propelling the Philippines into a future marked by prosperity, inclusivity, and resilience. By focusing on significant investments in significant areas, the government is laying down the groundwork for a transformed nation that can navigate the challenges of the 21st century with confidence and unity. Through collaborative efforts, the dream of a New Philippines, characterized by improved infrastructure, economic growth, and enhanced community well-being, is within reach. Let’s support and contribute to this monumental journey towards creating a better and more vibrant Philippines for generations to come.