IF we were to ask President Duterte and his economic managers, the solution to poverty would be to build and build some more. In a recent forum, our top infrastructure officials joined some Cabinet economic managers to pitch what they call “Dutertenomics”, which is seen to usher in a “golden age of infrastructure” to counter poverty in the country.
The administration is ready to commit 5.7 percent of our GDP to infrastructure. This figure is more than twice the 2.6 percent, which the Aquino administration allotted for infrastructure. The economists defended the decision by highlighting the fact that poor infrastructure leads to higher transportation costs, which translates to higher food prices. With better infrastructure, the Duterte administration sees more investors coming in. It will also address the traffic situation as it is seen as one in “a basket of [many] solutions” to this difficult problem.
One of the more ambitious infrastructure projects lined up would be the Quezon City-Ninoy Aquino International Airport Mega Manila Subway system. There will also be a railway project from Manila to Clark Freeport, and also from Manila to the Bicol region. A third major project would be the rail trunk that will connect Davao del Norte to Davao del Sur.
It is apparent that the Philippines could use advances as far as infrastructure is concerned, so these projects by the administration are a welcome breath of fresh air for regular citizens and those who are engaged in business. It will help drive economic growth, but the agencies concerned have to be careful that it does not burden the end-users and taxpayers but really serve the people for whom these structures are being built. Communities, farmers, urban- poor residents may have to be relocated or displaced to make way for these developments, so hopefully the government will also prioritize their interests and needs.
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Although April is about to come to a close, it is still Earth Month and we all need to be reminded of the importance of taking care of our environment. In the face of declarations by the Trump administration, in particular, that climate change is not real, scientific evidence that it is, indeed, happening continue to mount. Sea levels are rising in many places around the world, including the Philippines. Through an Earth Day rally on April 22, local scientists joined the international scientists community to call on the governments to “give more importance to science as an essential tool in crafting public policies”.
As ordinary citizens, we also have a responsibility to protect our environment. Plant a tree, save energy every day, teach your children the ways to take care of nature, use energy-saving light fixtures and appliances, reduce/reuse/recycle, and become a mindful consumer. These are just some of the many things we can do to put in our bit of effort toward saving the planet.
Celebrate Earth Month by committing to become an earth defender.