BOI seeks proposals for infra projects

MANILA, Philippines -  The Board of Investments (BOI) is urging industry stakeholders to prepare their infrastructure project proposals intended to further spur the local industries’ growth and competitiveness.

The call is being made by the agency in line with the Roads Leveraging Linkages for Industry and Trade or ROLL IT program signed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

ROLL IT is a convergence program between the two agencies to jointly undertake the planning, budgeting, advocacy for legislation, and evaluation of industry development infrastructure projects in priority economic and manufacturing zones in the Philippines.

Under the agreement signed in November last year, the DTI will identify areas where industry sectors need road facilities and connectivity.

BOI executive director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa said infrastructure projects that would be given priority under the ROLL IT program are those that will strengthen the growth of industries, particularly those in the sectors included in the industry roadmap program and the investment priorities plan.

“Through better roads and infrastructure, industry development can spur and set the motion for balanced development, with industries dispersing away from urban areas and moving to urban areas, creating more jobs and income opportunities for Filipinos. With better infrastructure, we can attract more foreign direct investments in the country, ensuring smoother flow of business,” BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said.

Last week, the DTI and DPWH launched the ROLL IT program in Region 1, wherein a total of 21 project proposals to be enrolled were submitted for evaluation.

The BOI said most of the proposals concern the conduct of rehabilitation and construction of access roads from manufacturing sites to marketing areas.

With the goal of prioritizing infrastructure development in the country, the ROLL IT program of the DTI and DPWH is intended to contribute in delivering accelerated infrastructure development and inclusive economic growth to the country.