PUBLIC Works Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan reminded professionals in the road construction industry of their vital role in the development and preservation of the country’s transportation structures that allow safer travel and guarantee the efficient delivery of essential products and services.
This is the gist of Bonoan’s message delivered during the 2022 National Convention and General Membership Meeting of the Road Engineering Association of the Philippines, Inc., held on Thursday at the Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort in Pampanga.
Attended by members and guests from the public and private sectors, the one-day convention highlighted REAP’s continued efforts in ensuring that transportation infrastructure projects are implemented using innovative and current engineering trends.
“It is fitting that the theme Building a Culture of Innovation in the Road Construction Industry was the main topic of discussion at this year’s gathering of innovative minds in road engineering. And this commensurate with the desired outcome of the national government’s Build Better More Program, that is, to accelerate economic development through better road infrastructure,” Bonoan enthused.
Bonoan also underscored that the Department of Public Works and Highways is committed to pave the way for the country’s recovery from the ill-effects of the pandemic and noted that in the next six-years, the agency will be at the forefront of building quality road infrastructures in support of the development programs initiated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
“We have been tasked by the President to carry-out projects that will improve food security and these would be achieved through the construction and upgrading of access roads leading to food production areas. This will certainly help in eradicating poverty and raising the standard of living of every Filipino,” Bonoan remarked.
The DPWH Chief also said that they intend to reduce traffic congestion and logistics costs by increasing road network capacities, widening and expanding national bridges that will reduce travel time.
“One way to do this is through the development of more expressways – another priority of the Marcos administration. Hence, the DPWH will continue to invest in road infrastructure through the development of seamless transport systems and the construction of new bypass roads and inter-island linkages,” Bonoan said.
Meanwhile, DPWH Region 3 Director and REAP Central Luzon Chapter President Roseller Tolentino said that their hosting of the convention this year is an opportunity to showcase the road infrastructure developments that have contributed to making the region an important investment and leisure destination.
