Build, build, build. If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that a lot of structures have been built in recent years under the government's aggressive infrastructure initiative.
An earlier briefing made by several Cabinet secretaries summed up the figures: 212 airport projects; 446 seaport projects; 10,376 flood mitigation structures; 26,494 kilometers of roads; and 5,555 bridges completed as of June this year. More projects are still ongoing.
The government's massive construction endeavor has created a lot of jobs, brought in investments, and spurred development in the country.
While the government encouraged these initiatives, it was also the local leaders who helped make sure they were realized. Several mayors across the country deserve recognition for their efforts to spearhead, manage, and complete the projects under the "Build, Build, Build" program.
As a fitting tribute to these outgoing leaders, let us look back at some of the driven mayors who helped pave the path to progress, one building at a time.
Because most national infrastructure projects have been highlighted in the media, we will focus on structures that these local leaders have created or rehabilitated to serve the needs of their communities.
Read on about their contributions here:
Mayor Jennie Uy-Mendez of Villanueva, Misamis Oriental
The municipality of Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, is known as an industrial hub. Led by Mayor Jennie Uy-Mendez, the town is looking to finish seven major infrastructure projects before next year's elections.
The new municipal hall is the mayor's top priority, as it would also house the municipal gym and several new offices. An adjacent hospital is on top of the list to serve the poorest of the poor. The other projects set to be completed include a public market, a transport terminal, the campus of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, and a sanitary landfill.
Aside from these structures, the mayor is working on the distribution of land titles to reduce land disputes among families, and discourage squatting. With several socialized housing projects also under way, Mayor Uy-Mendez certainly has a lot on her plate, but by all indications, she's bent on completing them for the sake of her constituents.
As a fitting tribute to these outgoing leaders, let us look back at some of the driven mayors who helped pave the path to progress, one building at a time
Mayor Majul Gandamra of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur
Considered a young mayor at 49, Gandamra's age belies the fact that he has seen more trouble than many on this list. In 2017, one year into his term, his beloved Marawi City got caught in a war of attrition between rogue militants and government security forces. The siege of Marawi left the city in ruins, with thousands of lives lost, families displaced, and structures destroyed.
But the fighting didn't deter the national government and Gandamra's office from planning, even in the heat of battle, temporary shelters for those affected. Permanent homes were later built to provide a new beginning for Marawi residents, in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Government of Japan.
Together with Gandamra's office, Task Force Bangon Marawi managed rehabilitation efforts after the siege, and rebuilt the White Mosque, the Masjid Marinaut, Rorogagus Health Station, and Phase 1 of the Central Fire Station. The Lilod Guimba Bridge, Banggolo Bridge, and Mapandi Bridge were among the infrastructures built to ease transportation in the area.
As of September this year, 80 percent of structures set to be built in Marawi City have already been completed. These projects are a showcase of Mayor Gandamra's efficiency and resolve in leading his city back from the ravages of battle and into a new dawn.
Mayor Antolin "LenLen" Oreta III of Malabon City
The nephew of the late Hon. Canuto Oreta, the former mayor of this thriving coastal community, Mayor Antolin "LenLen" Oreta III took over his uncle's post when the latter died in office. Under his leadership, the Malabon city government was able to complete 80 percent of its targeted goal in infrastructure projects.
Among these are the rehabilitation and construction of school buildings and child development centers, the upgrade of the public library, and the expansion of Concepcion Market along General Luna in partnership with private investors.
The complex now has 120 additional stalls, 13 eateries, four commercial units, and parking spaces.
Mayor Oreta's battle cry, "Kaya naten," has proven that optimism can fuel change for the better.
The nephew of the late Hon. Canuto Oreta, the former mayor of this thriving coastal community, Mayor Antolin "LenLen" Oreta III took over his uncle's post when the latter died in office. Under his leadership, the Malabon city government was able to complete 80 percent of its targeted goal in infrastructure projects.
Among these are the rehabilitation and construction of school buildings and child development centers, the upgrade of the public library, and the expansion of Concepcion Market along General Luna in partnership with private investors.
The complex now has 120 additional stalls, 13 eateries, four commercial units, and parking spaces.
Mayor Oreta's battle cry, "Kaya naten," has proven that optimism can fuel change for the better.
Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong of Naga City, southern Cebu
With the global warming crisis made worse by the use of coal and other dirty energy sources, many local government units have been working overtime to find alternative power sources that are cost-efficient and sustainable.
One of many local projects worth recognizing for being both is the use of solar panels in the city hall of Naga City, southern Cebu.
With the support of the PNOC Renewables Corp., Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong has transformed the Enan Chiong Activity Center into a model structure running on renewable energy. Solar panels that provide 100kWp were installed on the building's roof to provide 28 percent of the city hall's power requirements.
Aside from savings in energy costs, the project is estimated to cut the building's carbon emissions by 106 tons annually.
On top of this green initiative, Mayor Chiong also spearheaded the expansion of the city jail and detention center, the construction of drainage and water systems, the construction of school buildings in Barangay South Poblacion, and the extension of the Boardwalk in Barangay East Poblacion.
These projects help the city move forward by responding to the immediate needs of the community without compromising the environment.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong of Baguio City
As a favorite destination among tourists, Baguio City has had its share of urban problems, mainly in terms of congestion and vehicular traffic. Its mayor, Benjamin Magalong, hopes to offset this tourism downside with projects that would benefit both the locals and the city's throng of seasonal guests.
Among his administration's completed projects is the Baguio Convention Center, which was renovated and turned over last year. Considered one of the premier convention centers in the country, the complex has bright prospects as a major source of tourist income for the city.
In the pipeline are other projects meant to court more visitors to this summer capital, among them is what is envisioned to be a modern public market, and additional public bus terminals. Burnham Park and Mines View Park, meanwhile, are set to be rehabilitated in cooperation with the private sector.
The mayor's initiatives have been driven by a sense of urgency and with an eye on conserving the city's pine-scented environs.
Said Magalong: "All our projects to address environmental issues are strategic. We are looking at 50 years from now. We determine what would happen if we do not act now."
Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso of Manila
Hardly needing any introduction, Manila City's Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso has championed housing projects for his constituents right from the start of his term.
Having come from the poor and marginalized himself, he has prioritized low-cost housing—among them the Basecommunity, Tondominium 1 and 2, Binondominium, the San Lazaro Residences, the Pedro Gil Residences, and the San Sebastian Residences in Quiapo.
Mayor Isko, as he is populary known, also sought to develop facilities that cater to the health needs of the city's residents.
There's the President Corazon C. Aquino General Hospital at the Baseco Compound, and the Manila COVID-19 Field Hospital that was built in response to the pandemic. Today, the actor-turned-politician hopes to bring the citywide changes he initiated onto a national scale, as he seeks the presidential seat in the 2022 elections.
Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City
One of the most densely populated cities in the National Capital Region, Quezon City offers few affordable housing options, a challenge that its mayor, Hon. Joy Belmonte, faces head-on.
Under Belmonte's leadership, the city is looking at providing socialized housing to about 17,000 indigent families through "Katiyakan sa Paninirahan" (Security in Housing). Especially commendable about the project's approach is its aim to relocate informal settlers within the city, making it easier for them to find jobs within commuting distance, thus saving them valuable time and fare. Some of the administration's key housing projects will be located in Barangay Balingasa, Payatas, Bagong Silangan, and Baesa. The city has purchased parcels of land in these areas and will provide residents a variety of housing options on land where they had once settled informally. Resettled residents will have the opportunity to own their homes through different financing schemes that will be made available to them via various government programs.
Also in the works are a five-story evacuation center in District 2 and the QC Megawide Emergency Healthcare Facility, both of which will provide temporary shelter to residents in times of catastrophe or crisis, like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Lucilo Bayron of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Another tourist haven in the Philippines, Puerto Princesa is known for retaining its country charm despite rapid urbanization. Ongoing and upcoming projects by the local government headed by Mayor Lucilo Bayron have managed to hold on to that duality while responding to the needs of city residents.
Mendoza Park, more commonly known as the People's Amphitheater, was given a facelift in the middle of the pandemic, while satellite branches of city hall were constructed to service the residents of Barangay Napsan, Barangay San Rafael, and Barangay Luzviminda, which are quite distant from the city center.
Sports facilities near Balayong Park are also under construction to hopefully serve as the future venue of the Palarong Pambansa.
The city government has been lauded as well for its drive to provide smart street lighting in the area. Its "intelligent streetlights" are set to use mostly solar energy, which will translate to 40 percent less energy consumption when compared to ordinary streetlights.
Several mayors across the country deserve recognition for their efforts to spearhead, manage, and complete the projects under the "Build, Build, Build" program
Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig City
Despite his popularity in mainstream media, Mayor Vico Sotto keeps things simple and straightforward in Pasig City. Before his 2019 win in the local election, Sotto pledged to focus on healthcare, education, and socialized housing. That is exactly what he has been doing.
Recently turned over are the new buildings of the Kalawaan Elementary School and the Dr. Sixto Antonio Elementary School, both of which have yet to be named as the mayor discourages the naming of any publicly funded project after a living person.
Mass housing is also a priority as the local government aims to provide safe and decent housing to those living in danger zones. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Sotto released images of the designs for a planned socializing housing project that features vertical gardens, sun shading devices, and comfortable living spaces. Though the mayor stressed that not everyone will be able to get new homes due to realistic limitations, he said that everyone would have a fair shot at becoming a beneficiary.
Pasig City has also committed to reduce its carbon emissions by 20 percent, which is even lower than national targets. The city has developed an online platform where different sectors in the city can pledge climate actions to create change.
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio of Davao City
As the daughter of President Duterte, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio faced the difficult task of proposing city projects under the watchful eyes of the whole country.
To avoid criticism, the President, in one of his speeches, made it known that his hometown, Davao, would be of last priority when it comes to infrastructure projects.
Despite her father's words, Mayor Sara managed to carry out several construction projects, among them the new Davao City tourism and investment building that was inaugurated last year. The city also sought the assistance of Japanese companies in developing a waste-to-energy project that will eventually replace its existing landfill.
The local government is pushing as well for the completion of the Davao High Priority Bus System that will provide five depots, three terminals, and even a driving school to benefit city commuters.
Other projects include the expansion of bike lanes, and the reduced generation of solid waste to allow citizens to participate in the initiative.
Mayor Maria Ester Hamor of Sorsogon City
Considered the gateway to southern Philippines, Sorsogon City plays an important role in connecting Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao provinces. Led by Mayor Maria Ester Hamor, the city received one of the biggest Build, Build, Build projects in the Bicol Region with the opening of the Sorsogon City Coastal Road last year.
Under Mayor Hamor's leadership, the city acquired new heavy equipment, some of which would improve facilities in the Buenavista dumpsite. Under the "Merkado Ko, Orgulyo Ko" campaign, the mayor upgraded the city's public markets.
The local government also opened a district satellite office in Bacon that provides administrative services relating to Civil Registry, the Treasury, City Social
Welfare and Development Office, Agriculture, and the Assessor's Office.
As she follows the blueprint of the "Ten Plus One Agenda," Mayor Hamor continues to provide more services and facilities to her constituents, with Sorsogon City on track to become bigger and better in the years ahead.
Mayor Abigail "Abby" Binay of Makati City
Smart city: These are the two words that best describe Mayor Abigail "Abby" Binay's vision for Makati City. As the country's leading financial hub, Makati City has developed numerous partnerships with the private sector to achieve technological advancements and innovations that extend to its infrastructure and community projects.
The latest of these is the Makati subway that will provide citizens a faster, more efficient, and comfortable way of moving across the city.
Spanning 10 kilometers, the subway is targeted to become fully operational by 2025. The mayor is also spearheading the integration in a complex of the city's police, fire, and public safety central offices. A stand-alone structure for the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Office is being developed as well, with a complementing DRRM Academy to follow. Then there's the Ospital ng Makati, which will have a new cancer institute with state-of-the-art facilities, set to be completed by 2022.
Such digital innovations, service-oriented technology, and exceptional facilities are all part and parcel of Mayor Binay's dream of elevating Makati into a smart city.