Politics · Philippines Bureau
Philippines seeks fairer regional infrastructure spending, moves away from Luzon bias
The Department of Public Works and Highways is pledging to redistribute infrastructure budgets more equitably across the country, moving toward a needs-based allocation system that reduces historical advantages enjoyed by the capital region.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon acknowledged Wednesday that past infrastructure spending has favored Luzon and committed to rebalancing future budget allocations to benefit disadvantaged regions nationwide.
Addressing Congress, Dizon said the Department of Public Works and Highways is transitioning toward "more needs-based" regional infrastructure spending. The shift aims to address longstanding disparities that have concentrated development resources in the capital region and surrounding areas.
The secretary's remarks reflect growing pressure from lawmakers and local officials outside Metro Manila to secure larger shares of the annual infrastructure budget. Provinces in Mindanao, the Visayas, and other areas have long complained of insufficient funding for critical projects including roads, bridges, and water systems.
Dizon did not provide specific details on how budget allocations would be recalibrated or when the new framework would take effect. The DPWH announcement comes as the national government prepares its budget proposals for the coming fiscal year.