PH infrastructure program pitched to British investors

epartment of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade urged British investors and businessmen to invest in the country during this week's Philippine Economic Briefing in London.

He presented the administration's high impact projects and profitable opportunities in the local infrastructure sector.

Building bridges, roads, and modern transport systems is vital in an archipelagic country like ours in terms of enhancing interconnectivity and mobility to promote growth and develop industries.

"Without infrastructure, there will be no connectivity. Connectivity must come in terms of bridges, roads, and farm to market roads. Connectivity must come in water-shed and effective facilities," he stressed.

So far, the DOTr has completed one international airport in Cagayan and is set to inaugurate one more in Panglao, Bohol within the year.

The Bicol airport in Albay is being constructed, while airports in Bulacan and Sangley are being proposed to complement NAIA and Clark.

Secretary Tugade also noted the DOTr’s vision to complete 1,900 kilometers of railways from Luzon to Mindanao.

He added that the country’s first subway system will be breaking ground in December, with construction set to commence next year.

In addition, the government is also committed to building new cities.

The New Clark City will house two world-class sports facilities, government buildings, and a commercial center.

Phase 1 will be ready by October, 2019 in time for the Philippines’ hosting of the SEA Games.

The transport secretary assured prospective British stakeholders that it is safe to invest in the country because it has a government that does not tolerate corruption.

“I would like to encourage you to partner with us on what our President calls the golden age of infrastructure,” he concluded.