The Marcos administration is doing everything to accelerate the infrastructure development in the country, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

While the government is facing several challenges in implementing some of its infrastructure projects, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said it would double its efforts to address the gaps in the country’s transport systems.

“Well, in general, ang gobyerno ay hindi naman kikilos nang kulang-kulang. May mga pagkakataon siguro may mga factors na may nadi-delay (the government will not act without reason. There may be times when there are factors that delay things),” Castro said.

“But we will definitely do our best to fulfill all our work and what we promised the people,” she added.

This, after the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) reported that the Philippines is still lagging behind its Southeast Asian neighbors when it comes to improving the transport infrastructure.

Based on the findings of the PIDS’ study released on Monday, the Philippines “continues to fall behind” its Southeast Asian neighbors in transport infrastructure development.

The study, titled “Transport Infrastructure in the Philippines: From Plans to Actual Allocation,” revealed significant gaps in the country’s transport systems, particularly in railways, ports, and airport efficiency, compared to the well-developed networks of other nations in the region.

The study, however, acknowledged the government’s efforts to prioritize infrastructure development across various Philippine Development Plans 2023-2028.

It also noted that the Philippines has the highest number of ports in the region, attributed to its archipelagic geography.

The PIDS said strategic investments and comprehensive planning will be essential in shaping the country’s growth and regional standing, as it addresses the infrastructure gap.

In a Palace press briefing on Feb. 21, newly installed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon stressed the need to update the masterplan for transport infrastructure development and expand the government’s partnership with the private sector to make transport systems efficient.

Dizon’s statement came after Marcos had instructed him to fast-track the implementation of the ongoing transportation infrastructure projects, as well as those that are already in the pipeline.

Marcos’ directive to Dizon is to put a premium on key infrastructure projects, including the Metro Manila Subway, development of regional airports, and expansion of port system, particularly the agricultural ports. (PNA)