Rappler Talk: Can you insulate road projects from politics? #OpenRoads

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines continues to fall behind in terms of infrastructure development, based on the 2015-2016 Global Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum.

Among different forms of infrastructure, roads have been deemed as “the foundation of modern agriculture,” according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Roads provide market access to farmers, which could then help them increase their production, income, and food security.

The national government, through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), maintains the core network or the national roads.  

But local governments are responsible for 85% of the total road network. This is unfortunate as most local government units do not have enough resources to maintain roads, much less build new ones.

Recently, the government announced new programs that can help LGUs get funds for road projects. The question is, can such programs be insulated from politics?

The World Bank says areas of failure are usually due to short-term decisions. Are there mechanisms that can help promote better planning and minimize the impact of politics in road projects?

With barely a month left before the elections, will voters choose leaders who  listen to the needs of their constituents, are transparent and capable of long term planning, or those with empty promises? 

Join us on Tuesday, April 5, at 10:30 am when we discuss woes on roads with Commission on Audit chairperson Michael Aguinaldo, Department of the Interior and Local Goverments Director for Planning Development Services Rolyn Zambales, and World Bank Senior Economist Kai Kaiser.

Rappler’s Maria Ressa will moderate the discussion.

Join the conversation using #OpenRoads and #TheLeaderIWant and help improve the roads that matter to you. – Rappler.com