President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pledged Friday to adopt his predecessor’s vision for “golden age of infrastructure” to enhance mobility and connectivity in the Philippines.

Speaking during the 125th anniversary celebration of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Port Area, Manila, Marcos acknowledged the importance of infrastructure development in nation-building.

Marcos said putting a premium on the infrastructure sector is the “basic element” in bringing progress to the country.

“That is why you have a long and celebrated history, stretching back many centuries. The department’s accomplishments have not only changed our landscapes but define our society as a whole,” he said.

“Huwag nating patapusin ‘yung golden age of infrastructure. Ipagpatuloy natin ang golden age of infrastructure ngayon dahil naman kailangan na kailangan ng ating mga kababayan (Let us make sure that the golden of infrastructure will not end. Let us continue the golden age of infrastructure because it would benefit our countrymen),” Marcos added.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program ushered the country into the so-called “golden age of infrastructure.”

Under Marcos’ administration, the infrastructure development plan has been rebranded as “Build, Better, More” program.

Marcos, as chairperson of the National Economic and Development Authority Board, approved in March this year 194 high-impact infrastructure flagship projects worth PHP9 trillion.

Marcos attributed the success in implementing flagship infrastructure projects to the DPWH, citing the department’s “very long list of accomplishments” since its inception 125 years ago.

“From the majestic government buildings, the large projects such as dams and irrigation systems, bridges, highways connecting our many islands, the Public Works [department] has been at the front and center of the planning and construction of it all,” he said.

“You should be proud for each of you has contributed not only to the building of these structures but to the building of the nation as a whole,” he added.

Marcos said the DPWH personnel’s hard work has resulted in the establishment of several structures that “produce opportunities, facilitate commerce, increase mobility and protect the lives of our people.”

He urged the department to take advantage of the new technologies and techniques to ensure the timely completion of critical infrastructure projects.

“As we celebrate this milestone, it continues to be my hope that everyone in the department of public works will remain steadfast in its mandate as well as stay committed to fulfilling this administration’s 8-point socioeconomic agenda by committing to construct and finish critical infrastructure projects on time, on schedule and under budget,” Marcos said.

Marcos called on the DPWH to continue streamlining its procedures, in an effort to prevent delays and ensure transparency in all government projects and transactions.

He also asked them to make sure that the structures and facilities that will be built under the “Build, Better, More” program are not just beautiful but will also “physically survive” the next 80 to 100 years.

“There are many agencies and of course all other departments and for that matter, my own office, are there behind you to support you, to make all we undertake a success,” Marcos said.

During the program, Marcos also witnessed the awarding and recognition of several DPWH regional offices and district engineering offices, including Ilocos Region, the first and second districts of Pangasinan and the second district of Batangas.

The celebration of the DPWH’s founding anniversary focuses on the theme, “Makasaysayang Daan Tungo sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan,” highlighting the department’s historic accomplishments in terms of infrastructure development and its significant contributions to nation-building in the last 125 years.

The DPWH, established on June 23, 1898, is mandated to undertake the planning of infrastructure and the design, construction, and maintenance of national roads and bridges, and major flood control systems. (PNA)