The House of Representatives is considering boosting the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget to help drive economic growth, generate jobs and hit national development targets beginning in 2027.
Under the current proposed national budget, the DPWH is set to receive P643.95 billion.
During a press briefing, Surigao del Sur Representative Romeo Momo Sr. expressed concern over the country’s slow 2.3% economic growth in the second quarter and its direct impact on jobs and household incomes. Momo serves as chair of the House Committee on Public Works and Highways and vice chair of the Appropriations Committee.
The briefing was part of a series ordered by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III to keep the public updated on discussions surrounding the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget. Future briefings will focus on education and social services.
Momo noted that increased infrastructure spending acts as a key economic stimulus. As the government’s primary engineering arm, he argued that the DPWH needs a larger budget to build crucial projects.
However, Momo stressed that more funding alone is not enough. He urged the government to speed up the release and use of previously approved funds that remain unspent.
Citing experts, Momo explained that developing economies should ideally spend 5% to 6% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on public works. Based on a projected P33-trillion GDP by 2027, a 5% target equals about P1.65 trillion. Comparing that to the proposed P643.95-billion allocation leaves a P1-trillion gap needed to fully boost the economy.
He recommended prioritizing projects with strong economic benefits, such as farm-to-market roads, along with essential community facilities like day-care centers, health stations and evacuation sites. Momo warned that project delays and underfunding would continue to harm employment and the broader economy.