The Committee on Public Works & Highways (CPWH), chaired by Hon. Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona – Lone District Romblon, approved the committee report and Substitute Bill/HB 8151 “Adopting a 30-year National Infrastructure Program. The hearing was held on 25 August 2021 via zoom webinar and attended by other members of the House Committee.
Anchored on the Philippine Construction Industry Roadmap 2020-2030, the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) mobilized stakeholders’ support for House Bill (HB) 8151, “30-year National Infrastructure Program Act of 2021” which has been discussed and approved/adopted by the House of Representatives CPWH on 19 May 2021 where several amendments were proposed.
Representative (Rep.) Romeo Momo Sr., author of the said HB and Vice Chair of the committee on CPWH said one of the main provisions in the Substitute Bill/HB 8151 is to “adopt and cover transport and logistics infrastructure, and include agri-fisheries modernization and food logistics infrastructure to reinforce the long-term vision and provide continuity in the vital infrastructure projects across administrations”. Rep. Momo likewise mentioned some of the important amendments to Substitute Bill/HB 8151 including the basis for project selection such as poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability and climate resilience, financial viability and value for money, among others.
He also presented the rationale and main provisions of the Substitute Bill stressing the need for the 30-year infrastructure program to realize the vision of “Ambisyon Natin 2040”. The “30-Year National Infrastructure Program Act of 2021” seeks to provide a framework for infrastructure development in the next 30 years and ensure resource allocation and continuity in the development and implementation of infrastructure projects despite changes in leadership.
Upon the motion of Rep. Mark Go from Baguio City, the committee report and the draft Substitute Bill/HB 8151 were duly-approved and seconded by Rep. Edgar Sarmiento, from 1st District of Samar. Rep. Sarmiento likewise manifested that the committee members present during the deliberation should be included as co-authors since it is a vital piece of the said Substitute Bill. ♦
Date of Release: 26 August 2021