DPWH targets to bid out 100% of infra projects in 2012

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is eyeing to bid out by March all its roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects slated for 2012.

Of the 2,139 projects that are part of DPWH’s P63.5 billion infrastructure program, 85% or 1,818 were already bid out, according to Budget Secretary Florencio Abad.

Of the 1,818 projects, the DPWH has already issued notices to proceed for 1,456 initiatives.

“The DPWH can begin implementing and completing key infrastructure programs more quickly and efficiently this year,” Abad said.

Actually, most of these projects were bid out before end-2011, short of the required awarding, according to DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson.

“The DPWH bid out all its infrastructure projects short of award in December 2011. This move allowed the agency to kick-start its 2012 programs at a much earlier date, so that by January 2012, many projects were already ready for execution,” Singson said.

Abad said the early implementation of the infrastructure projects is in line with the government’s program to boost spending.

The government hopes to boost spending this year on the back of lackluster economic growth last year.

The economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.7% in 2011, slower than the 7.6% growth recorded in 2010. – Rappler.com