As we make progress toward returning to the old normal. Automobiles have taken over the roads, and traffic congestion is once again an area of tension for authorities. The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has been constantly monitoring the country’s traffic situation as we are permitted to leave our houses as quarantine restrictions loosen. The MMDA recognized the need to minimize the number of cars and proposed a 2-day vehicle number coding plan. Critics have voiced their thoughts on the subject, arguing that this suggestion would just serve as a bondage solution to the problem. Meanwhile, one of the long-term solutions that the government has been implementing in order to meet the rising number of vehicles on the roads is infrastructure. This article will highlight infrastructure developments that are currently in operation and are expected to be operational in 2022.
The “Golden Age of Infrastructure”
When President Rodrigo Roa Duterte took office six years ago, one of his campaign pledges was to improve infrastructure. Now, months before he relinquishes the presidency at Malacañang, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has announced that the government would be able to complete 18 of 112 key projects before the Duterte administration’s term expires on June 30, 2022. As we welcome the next incumbent and legitimate President to succeed him, we will highlight some of the Duterte Administration’s infrastructure development achievements for 2022.
1. Elevated Extension of SLEX
The elevated expansion of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), which officially opened on February 15, 2022, has contributed to increased car travel while also providing a safer reopening for economic operations in Metro Manila. This project is expected to reduce travel time from Muntinlupa to Balintawak by 30 minutes owing to bottleneck traffic in Alabang caused by increased automobile numbers. Furthermore, the SLEX Extension’s northern and southbound sections can handle around 200,000 vehicles each day.
Read Also: SLEX TR4 to Disperse Economic Growth to South Luzon Provinces
2. Cebu-Cardova Link Expressway
This month, the Cebu-Cardova Link Expressway (CCLEX) was opened to the public. It is an 8.9-kilometer bridge that connects Cebu City to Cardova Town on Mactan Island. Definitely a 2022 infrastructure development highlight since it has received a lot of attention on social media owing to its attractiveness and construction. It was also mentioned by the famed engineer Youtube vlogger Slater Young, who described it as “one of the icons of the Philippines’ infrastructure revival.”
This will benefit both Cebu and Mactan by facilitating tourism that provides access to the Mactan-Cebu International Airports, the Mactan Export Processing Zone, and outlying casinos, resorts, and hotels. Furthermore, this project is not solely promulgated by the government but is the brainchild of the Cebu-Cardova Link Expressway Corporation, a private corporation that is spearheading the building and overseeing the management of the CCLEX, which was contracted in a joint venture with the cities of Cebu and municipalities of Cardova.
3. Binondo Intramuros Bridge
It is a two-way, four-lane bridge that connects Plaza del Conde Street in Binondo with Riverside Drive in Intramuros across the Pasig River. It is anticipated to serve 30,000 motorists each day and is envisioned as an alternative route to the Jones Bridge. It is one of the country’s highlights of 2022 infrastructure development since it is regarded as a legacy that reflects the relationship between the Philippines and China. This is because the donation was agreed upon during President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit to China in 2017. China was in charge of the bridge’s construction, surveying, and design.
Read Also: Binondo-Intramuros Bridge Now Open to the Public
4. Unified Grand Central Station
This project had been delayed due to location conflicts caused by nearby malls raising construction issues. Originally, this was a project approved by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) during the administration of President Benigno Aquino lll in 2013. Fortunately, it is nearing completion, with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announcing that operations will begin in July of this year. It is one of the 2022 infrastructure development highlights since it is projected to connect LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7, and Metro Manila Subway, making commuting easier, especially if they need to move from one railway transportation to another.
Read Also: MRT-7 expected to be completed by end of 2021
5. Samar Pacific Coastal Road
A fruit of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Build, Build, Build program will be finished before he steps down from the Malacañang Palace. His final day as President of the Philippines will be June 30, 2022, and the Samar Pacific Coastal Road (SPCR) will be completed in accordance with this. The 11.6-kilometer route is anticipated to benefit the province’s local economy through improving transportation links. People will no longer have to take long boat excursions across rivers to get from one town or hamlet to another after the route is completed.
The coastal road will connect municipalities in Eastern and Northern Samar that were previously only accessible by boat from the town of Laoang. Furthermore, the route will have three bridges: Simora, Jangtud 1, and Jangtud 2. Furthermore, the government contracted the Korean Economic Development Cooperation Fund who have agreed to fund this project through a loan arrangement.
6. MRT 7
Another infrastructure development highlight for 2022, President Duterte stated that Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) will be partially operational in the fourth quarter of this year. During the unveiling of the new train sets, he made this comment. The project is believed to be 60% complete, therefore it is conceivable to be partially operational if the necessary resources are available and there are no further delays to be encountered. Furthermore, the railway is said to be safe, efficient, and pollution-free for passengers. The railway runs for 24 kilometers from North Avenue in Quezon City to San Jose del Monte in Bulacan. The train also connects with MRT-3 and LRT-1 via a shared stop on North Avenue.
7. Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Stage 2
Aside from roads and bridges to handle the country’s growing vehicle traffic, facilities for our farmers in North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces are also being built. The goal of the Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Stage 2 is to help our farmers boost their income and livelihood by building irrigation and drainage infrastructure. This project is anticipated to be completed this year, according to officials, who claim it is approaching completion.
The Duterte administration increased infrastructure expenditure to 5.3 percent while the Commission on Elections (Comelec) granted an exemption from the spending prohibition during the election season. According to the government, this would yield benefits in the future, with a 5.8 percent growth in GDP by the end of 2022. Managers are also convinced that presidential hopefuls will carry on President Duterte’s Build, Build, Build initiative.
Overall, Infrastructures are one of the indications of a community’s thriving economy. It is advantageous in real estate since it offers leverage to surrounding assets such as a home and lot and condominiums. It benefits both commuters and private cars by bringing them closer to their destinations. Bria Homes had anticipated these infrastructure highlights, which increased the value of their properties. There will be more infrastructures to watch out for in the future. So, if you want to invest your money in real estate, please contact us; we are more than happy to assist you with your investment needs.
