Mark Villar Talks About the Ambitions of the Build, Build, Build Program

This article was originally written by Natasha Sicat for Lifestyle Asia’s March 2019 edition titled “Homes Built by the Bold and Beautiful.”

Amidst the controversy surrounding the Build, Build, Build Program, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar believes in the project’s ambitions. The initiative is targeted to usher in the Golden Age of Infrastructure. “The dream is to increase connectivity in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.” The objective is quite bold even for the DPWH Secretary. Yet he believes it will change the narrative of the Philippines.

Mark Villar with wife Emmeline Aglipay-Villar. (Photograph by Floyd Jhocson)

Building the ambition

Executing the program comes with several steps and considerations. Two of which are the planning stages and the allotting of funds for the building projects. The initial plans include different studies on Road Slope Management (RMS), Road and Bridge Information Application (RBIA), Multi-Year Programming and Scheduling (MYPS), and similar. “This will ensure equitable distribution of funds based on long-term network needs.” It is crucial to follow the policies of the department and objectives of the Philippine Development Plan. In this way, they would know which projects to prioritize.

From July 2016 to December 2018, the specific strategy enabled the Build, Build, Build Program to be on track. Mark says, “we have constructed, maintained, widened, upgraded, and rehabilitated 6, 157 kilometers of national roads, 2, 680 national bridges, and 3, 066 flood control systems.” High way expansion plans are also on its way to execution. This targets eliminating congestion within Metro Manila.

Mark Villar can already see the fruits of the hard work from planning and executing these building projects. He admits there are challenges with the numerous controversies. Yet he is passionate to help reach “our country’s full potential.”

Read the full feature story of Mark Villar in Lifestyle Asia’s March 2019 Edition, titled “Homes Built by the Bold and Beautiful.” Download your digital copy on Magzter and Flip 100, or purchase your print copy on LazadaShopee or your nearest bookstore. For orders, email [email protected]

Order your print copy of this month's LIFESTYLE ASIA Magazine:
Download this month's LIFESTYLE ASIA digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]