I was suppose to write on a different topic this week but I decided to shift on a more “interesting” subject that has been running through my socmed timelines. This is in relation to the arrival of the tunnel boring machines for the much-anticipated Metro Manila subway. The project is now on full-throttle and has been a case of debate as to who should get the credit – PRRD or PNoy. There are 2 claims – it was PNoy who thought about the project and, the other one, is that the project was approved during PNoy’s term.
So fact-check muna tayo.
The idea of a subway train project was first presented in 1973 under the Marcos Administration but it never progressed from there. The plan was again proposed in 1977 but was shelved because of issues on flooding at certain locations where the subway was suppose to traverse. Another plan was executed at that time and that gave us the LRT 1 line. A subway proposal was again floated in 2014 and, this time, it was suppose to connect Makati, Taguig, and Pasay through a 12-kilometer line. However, the project was shelved because of cost and right of way concerns (“P393-B Metro Manila subway is ‘project of the century’ for PH” by Miguel Camus; business.inquirer.net).
The Metro Manila Subway got the nod of NEDA on September 2017 under the current administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program. 6 months after, JICA has given its go signal for a loan worth Php51 billion to fund the project. The construction of the subway is now on full throttle with the arrival of the massive tunnel boring machine and we are expecting its partial opening by the last quarter of 2021. The subway will connect Quezon City, Pasig, Taguig, and Paranaque through its 35-kilometer rail.
Ayan malinaw tayo that the inception of the subway project started during the Marcos administration and the current project got the approval and funding under the current administration.
I really find it funny how supporters of PNoy is very quick in making claims that the idea of a subway project was under the former President’s administration. When history tells us that the initial inception was from their “mortal” enemy which is Marcos. Given that it was a project that they “considered” during his time, none of which really took off which leads me to my next point.
A project plan, without the proper execution, remains a plan that serves no one and benefits no one. Management paradigms will tell you that the key for a project to be successful is in its execution. This is actually where most managers fail in the process. Plans are fluid and, once in motion, can change every step of the way depending on its actual progress. I mean, you don’t congratulate colleagues that it was a successful project based on a “perfect-looking” plan but good managers would have to wait until the plan is fully implemented and executed before making claims that the program was successful.
In the end, more than the inception, the execution of the plan is key to a project’s success. These supporters can neither claim that it was the idea of the previous administration. PNoy’s administration actually did not have an approved plan laid out. In fact, the subway project was not even included in the report published on https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/lists/aquino-admin-tbc-projects/ that outlines projects that started during PNoy’s time and were expected to be finished after his term. It was this administration that mapped out the plan, had it approved and funded, and successfully rolled out the project.
This administration managed to show Filipinos that government projects are more than just carefully crafted words. More than the parade of speeches and cliches, the projects need actions to be able to see it to the end. The actions towards completion of the plans will serve every Filipino and will benefit every Filipino. Aanhin natin ang “Talk, Talk, Talk” when we have leaders who can “Build, Build, Build”. That is what we are seeing now and that is what the opposition fears because, when the time comes, Filipinos would want continuity.
Now, I would like to challenge them to put their words into actions… nasaan na yung dalawang magpapasagasa sa tren?
Posted by adobongpinoy in Uncategorized Tags: Build Build Build, Continuity, DOTr, Metro Manila Subway, Noynoying, PNoy, PRRD, Talk Talk Talk
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