http://pdp.neda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/19-04-07-2017.pdfAssessment and Challenges
The significant achievements and critical reforms in infrastructure were not enough to keep up with the rates of population growth and urbanization. Overcoming the bottlenecks facing the sector will require addressing areas where the issues persist.
In terms of global performance and ranking of overall infrastructure quality, the Philippines lagged behind the five pioneer members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
The previous administration targeted to improve quality of the country’s infrastructure by increasing the government’s budget for infrastructure. However, the actual government spending for infrastructure,
particularly in 2012 and 2014, fell short of the target.
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TransportDespite the improvement and expansion of the transport systems, it is still inadequate vis-à-vis the growing demand. Additional roads and bridges, including drainage, were constructed and upgraded, and new alternative routes were opened in support of major economic sectors.
Moreover, initial steps were taken towards developing new railway and other mass transit systems in and outside Metro Manila. Upgrading of the country’s gateways were undertaken to ensure the continued viability of inter-island transport and to prepare for the upcoming integration with the rest of the ASEAN Community and
Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). However, transport facilities
are either operated beyond capacities or are underutilized as envisioned ex-ante.
Road-based transport infrastructure remained a key point of convergence with other productive sectors but the
quality remains inadequate. As of 2015, 97.19 percent (31,242 km) of national roads, 61.80 percent (15,377 km) of city roads, and 28.65 percent (31,075 km) of provincial roads were paved and 347,160 lineal meter (lm) bridges along national roads were made permanent along with the opening of new alternative routes.
Still, the World Economic Forum-Global Competitiveness Report (WEF-GCR) 2015-2016 ranked the Philippines 97th
out of 140 countries in terms of quality of road infrastructure.
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According to the WEF-GCR 2015-2016, the quality of the Philippine rail infrastructure network ranks 84th out of 140 countries, with only three urban lines spanning 76.9 km in Metro Manila and two commuter lines of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) in Southern Luzon in operation.
The development of mass transit systems connecting mainland Luzon and in emerging cities in the Visayas and Mindanao, is still at an early stage. The lack of high-capacity mass transportation options results in
more trips using lower-capacity, road-congesting, and environmentally-polluting forms of transport and limited accessibility of business districts, commercial areas, industrial zones, educational institutions, and government centers.
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