Infra spending hits P845 B

The Marcos administration jacked up its infrastructure spending by 14 percent to P845.3 billion in the eight-month period of the year, primarily to fund road and defense projects.

- By LOUISE MAUREEN SIMEON

According to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), state infrastructure expenditure and other capital outlays rose from P740.3 billion in the same period last year.

This is largely due to the strong spending performance of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the construction of roads, bridges, flood control structures, hospital buildings and multi-purpose building projects.

In particular, DPWH ensured the timely delivery of ongoing and carryover projects and the prioritization of settlement of pending payables from prior years.

The agency also streamlined the procurement procedures to shorten lead times and facilitate the prompt initiation of new projects.