P126 billion allotted for Central Luzon infrastructure projects

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines — Up to P126.38 billion has been allocated in the 2024 national budget for the implementation of 2,995 infrastructure projects in Central Luzon, according to the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

DPWH-Central Luzon director Roseller Tolentino said the amount represents 13.07 percent of the agency’s overall budget.

Tolentino said the allocation indicated a substantial increase of 29.27 percent compared to the previous year’s P97.7 billion. 

Of the amount, P14.34 billion will be used to fund 140 projects that will be implemented by the DPWH regional office.

The rest of the funds will be utilized for projects that will be handled by 16 district engineering offices.

“Ensuring a safe and reliable national road network system, which accounts for 18 percent of the region’s budget, reflects DPWH’s core mandate and includes a total of 452 projects across Central Luzon. Twenty-eight percent of the budget is allocated for the construction of 430 flood control projects along major rivers,” Tolentino said.

Melquiades Sto. Domingo, DPWH assistant regional director, attributed the recent rise in the economy of Central Luzon to efforts geared toward infrastructure development, especially the completion of vital connectivity projects and multipurpose facilities, which enhanced public service delivery.

“Since 2016, we have been seeing a steady increase in our budget. This helped us, especially our district engineering offices, implement transformative projects that ushered in a new era that made Central Luzon an economic powerhouse,” Sto. Domingo said.

The rise of major enterprises in the region boosted employment and highlighted the importance of infrastructure development.

The DPWH said it expects infrastructure investments in the region to go beyond physical structure this year.