On orders of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the government started Saturday an infrastructure spree that aims to protect the Philippines from the effects of a possible recession in the United States economy.
A Malacañang statement on Saturday evening said Mrs Arroyo dropped the time capsule for a C-5 flyover and a 16-classroom school building in ceremonies in Metro Manila.
“Dahil meron tayong slowdown sa America (Because there is an economic slowdown in America), I am ordering a surge in infrastructure construction,” she said before dropping the golden time capsule that signaled the start of the construction of the C-5 Extension Project in Sucat, Parañaque City.
She said work on the flyover was to start April but she wanted it “front-loaded” or started early.
Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said Mrs Arroyo hopes the surge will also serve as a springboard for further growth.
The C-5 Extension Project’s 190-meter P200-million flyover portion shall link Pulang Lupa-Las Piñas Road with the soon-to-be-completed Sucat to Multinational Avenue section of Circumferential Road 5 (C-5).