The presidency of Bongbong Marcos has continued to focus on infrastructure development, following the Build, Build, Build program initiated by former President Rodrigo Duterte, now rebranded as Build Better More. Since Marcos took office, numerous infrastructure projects have been completed, with many more in the pipeline. But what sets Build Better More apart from Build, Build, Build? Is Marcos more ambitious than Duterte? Let’s explore the scale and achievements of Marcos’ infrastructure plans so far.
First, let’s recap the Build, Build, Build program. Launched under President Duterte, this was the Philippines’ most ambitious infrastructure initiative, with a massive budget aimed at driving economic growth and addressing critical issues like traffic congestion and inadequate transport options. The program created millions of jobs, with 6.5 million workers contributing to its success. Notable projects included the Pantaleon-Estrella Bridge, connecting Makati and Mandaluyong, the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge, and the NLEX-SLEX Connector. Between 2016 and 2021, the program saw the completion of 212 airport projects, 446 seaports, and significant developments in railways, roads, and bridges.
Build, Build, Build was also noteworthy for its diverse funding sources. While initially cautious about public-private partnerships (PPPs), the Duterte administration eventually included them, along with official development assistance (ODA) and government funds. This approach ensured that the program didn’t solely rely on taxpayer money, making it a financially sustainable initiative.
Now, let’s look at Build Better More under President Marcos. Is it just a continuation of Duterte’s program, or does it aim higher? One way to measure this is by looking at the national budget for infrastructure and its share of the country’s GDP. Under Duterte, infrastructure spending grew from 3.9% of GDP in 2016 to an average of 5% during his administration, with annual spending rising from 600 billion pesos in 2016 to over 1 trillion pesos by 2019.
Marcos has set even more ambitious targets. He aims to allocate 5-6% of GDP to infrastructure annually throughout his presidency. In early 2023, Marcos announced plans for 194 high-impact infrastructure projects worth 9 trillion pesos. Of these, 123 projects were initiated during his administration, while the rest were carried over from Duterte’s time. Key projects include the Panay Railway, Mindanao Railway Project III, North Long Haul Railway, and the Metro Cebu Expressway. Notably, 45 of these projects are expected to be funded through private sector partnerships, reducing the burden on public funds.
So, is Marcos’ infrastructure plan more ambitious? While the total budget under Build Better More is 9 trillion pesos—slightly higher than the 8 trillion pesos under Build, Build, Build—many of Duterte’s large-scale projects remain unfinished due to their complexity. In terms of spending, the Marcos administration allocated over 1.42 trillion pesos to infrastructure in 2023, accounting for 5.8% of GDP, with plans to increase this to 1.47 trillion pesos in 2024.
From July 2022 to November 2023, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) made significant progress, completing 7,715 kilometers of roads, 969 bridges, and 2,410 flood control projects. Additionally, over 6,439 rainwater collector systems were built, along with 389 kilometers of farm-to-market roads, and 5,116 classrooms to support education. Major infrastructure projects, however, are still ongoing, with only one flagship project completed in 2023.
In conclusion, while both Marcos and Duterte have prioritized infrastructure development, their programs are closely aligned in terms of GDP spending. The key takeaway is that both administrations are committed to shaping the future of the Philippines through these critical investments.