NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Marcos Jr. Pushes To Recover Funds For DPWH Foreign-Assisted Projects Amid Budget Cuts
Photo credit: PCO
In a recent sit-down at the Malacañan Palace, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made it clear that he's not backing down when it comes to securing funds for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), especially for foreign-assisted projects. The President's concern comes after Congress significantly slashed the budget for various DPWH programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) in the 2025 national budget.
During the meeting, President Marcos pointed out the stark difference between what was requested and what was granted. "We asked for PhP70 billion, and they gave us PhP23 billion," he said, emphasizing the importance of channeling funds into projects that will truly impact people's lives. His focus is not just on building new infrastructure but also on maintaining existing ones, conducting feasibility studies, and addressing right-of-way issues.
The budget cuts have affected several key areas within the DPWH, including payments for right-of-way (ROW), contractual obligations, taxes, and funds for feasibility studies and engineering. Programs like the Bridge Program, Network Development Program, and Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP) have all seen reductions, along with the KATUPARAN Program, which focuses on connecting airports, railways, and ports.
Despite these cuts, the total budget for the DPWH has actually increased by PhP188.80 billion, marking a 20.98 percent rise from the proposed PhP900 billion in the 2025 National Expenditure Program to PhP1,088.80 billion in the 2025 General Appropriations Act. This boost is a silver lining, but the President is clearly intent on ensuring that the critical foreign-assisted projects don't get left behind.
As the DPWH navigates these budgetary adjustments, President Marcos's directive is clear: prioritize projects that matter, ensure maintenance is up to par, and tackle feasibility and right-of-way challenges head-on. The road ahead might have some bumps, but with the President's focus on impactful infrastructure, the goal is to drive towards a future that makes a tangible difference in the lives of Filipinos.
During the meeting, President Marcos pointed out the stark difference between what was requested and what was granted. "We asked for PhP70 billion, and they gave us PhP23 billion," he said, emphasizing the importance of channeling funds into projects that will truly impact people's lives. His focus is not just on building new infrastructure but also on maintaining existing ones, conducting feasibility studies, and addressing right-of-way issues.
The budget cuts have affected several key areas within the DPWH, including payments for right-of-way (ROW), contractual obligations, taxes, and funds for feasibility studies and engineering. Programs like the Bridge Program, Network Development Program, and Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP) have all seen reductions, along with the KATUPARAN Program, which focuses on connecting airports, railways, and ports.
Despite these cuts, the total budget for the DPWH has actually increased by PhP188.80 billion, marking a 20.98 percent rise from the proposed PhP900 billion in the 2025 National Expenditure Program to PhP1,088.80 billion in the 2025 General Appropriations Act. This boost is a silver lining, but the President is clearly intent on ensuring that the critical foreign-assisted projects don't get left behind.
As the DPWH navigates these budgetary adjustments, President Marcos's directive is clear: prioritize projects that matter, ensure maintenance is up to par, and tackle feasibility and right-of-way challenges head-on. The road ahead might have some bumps, but with the President's focus on impactful infrastructure, the goal is to drive towards a future that makes a tangible difference in the lives of Filipinos.
Jan 16, 2025
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