About P2.4 trillion worth of the government’s infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) will be implemented in Mindanao, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said.
Diokno highlighted in his keynote address during the Philippine Economic Briefing in Davao yesterday that a significant number of IFPs will support the region’s growth and development.
“As of date, we have 194 high-impact IFPs, estimated at P8.3 trillion. Out of these projects, 93 are either ongoing or approved for implementation,” Diokno said.
“Seventy-six are located right here in Mindanao with an indicative total cost of P2.4 trillion,” he added.
Diokno said these projects include the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project, which is the country’s first-ever network solution to urban congestion.
He also mentioned the Mindanao Railway Project, Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge, Davao City Expressway and the Panguil Bay Bridge, which will be finished by June next year.
“From infrastructure to tourism to clean energy, the island of Mindanao is uniquely positioned to power the country’s economic progress and lead our transformation journey in the years ahead,” Diokno said.
“The Department of Finance has been working closely with international development partners to secure financing for the region’s economic reforms, food security, infrastructure, climate adaptation and mitigation, disaster resiliency, post-conflict rehabilitation and peace and development,” he added.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, meanwhile, also mentioned during the panel discussion that P807 billion of next year’s proposed budget is allocated for Mindanao. – Angela Celis
