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RFID is made consisting of a tiny radio transmitter and receiver that is carried on the person. It instantly recognizes the data on the sticker and processes it. The SLEX, NLEX, Skyway, and other major expressways use this technology. This is a huge help in maximizing time transporting materials needed for innovation and community welfare.

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https://www.batangas.gov.ph/portal/governors-profile/

https://peoplaid.com/2019/03/05/batangas-province-history/

https://www.batangas.gov.ph/portal/history/

https://calabarzon.neda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/RSET-2019.pdf

http://rsso04a.psa.gov.ph/article/highlights-population-density-batangas-2020-census-population-and-housing-2020-cph

https://www.philatlas.com/luzon/r04a/batangas.html

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/map-catholicism-philippines

https://twomonkeystravelgroup.com/where-to-visit-batangas-philippines/

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“Build Build Build” Program Amid a Pandemic

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“Build Build Build” Program Amid a Pandemic

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Amidst the economic recession being experienced by the Philippines and the world at large caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, infrastructure development through the "Build Build Build" (BBB) program of the Duterte administration is said to be one of the key drivers if not the main driver of the economic recovery of the country.

The "BBB" program is anchored on Duterte's long-time conviction and advocacy for a more balanced and responsive regional/countryside development for the country. He stressed that the only solution to address the worsening congestion and traffic situation in Metro Manila and the skewed development favouring Metro Manila and the traditional urban centres of the country is through the dispersion of economic activities. And this is the compelling reason why his administration is accelerating infrastructure development before his term ends even during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
The BBB Program
The "BBB" program consists of around 20,000 infrastructure projects nationwide, involving roads, highways, farm-to-market roads, airports, seaports, terminals, evacuation centres, lighthouses, hospitals, schools, government centres, and the like. It is the centrepiece and one of the top-priority programs of the Duterte administration, which has been allocated a budget of around PHP 8 trillion (US$164.7 billion) for a six-year period (2017-2022). Such budget allocation on infrastructure is thus far the highest in Philippine history to date.

Over the past six administrations, the country's infrastructure spending-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio only averaged at 2.6 percent of GDP. To note, from 2001 to 2010, the average percentage of infrastructure budget to GDP was 1.6 percent or PHP 100.3 billion (US$2.06 billion), while from 2011-2016 it was 3.0 percent or PHP 378.3 billion (US$7.7 billion).

When Duterte took office in July 2016, his administration reversed this "long-neglect" in infrastructure investment. To cite, from 2017 to 2019, the average percentage of infrastructure budget to GDP was 6.0 percent or PHP 932 billion (US$19.1 billion). In 2020 the budget allocation for the "BBB" program was 4.6 percent of GDP or PHP 972.5 billion (US$20 billion).

Hence, these numbers indicate a far more augmented budget for infrastructure development compared to the previous administration; illustrating the fervent resolve of the Duterte administration to not only accelerate infrastructure development but to deliver the much-needed infrastructure projects to bridge the infrastructure gap in the country.

One has to take cognisance of the fact that, the lack of infrastructure development in the Philippines has long been pointed out to be the "chink in the armour" or one of the "weakest links" in the overall economic development of the Philippines.
Setbacks
The "BBB" program has encountered some setbacks following the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the impacts was the realignment of part of the "BBB" budget to finance the government's response to the health and socio-economic crises in the country.

For instance, the 2020 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), one of the main implementing agencies of the "BBB" program, was sliced to fund dole-outs and medical response costing around PHP 121.9 billion (US$2.5 billion) leaving it with a much-lowered infrastructure program spending budget for 2020 at around PHP 458.9 billion (US$9.4 billion) down from PHP 580.9 billion (US$11.9 billion).

Also, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), another main implementing agency of "BBB" projects suffered a budget cut of around PHP 8.8 billion (US$181.2 million) from its original budget of around PHP147 billion (US$3.02 billion) this year.

However, despite budget cuts in public spending on infrastructure projects, the government has reprioritised the infrastructure program and retained 92 flagship projects amounting to around PHP 4.1 trillion (US$84.4 billion) in value.

Although eight projects were cut from the list of infrastructure priority projects, 13 more were added aimed at intensifying internet connectivity, organising water supply, and enhancing transportation, health care systems, and the digital economy in the country; including a Virology Institute in New Clark City to prepare for the next pandemic. The added infrastructure projects are said to be ready for implementation and are indeed responsive to the country's post-pandemic needs.
BBB & Economic Recovery
Nevertheless, despite these setbacks, "BBB" projects were among the first major economic activities to resume operation in the Philippines.

Presidential Adviser for Flagship Programs Vivencio Dizon during the joint Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) press conference a month ago said, "We have not only continued with "BBB" and our flagship projects, but we will also further intensify this to serve as a major driver in our recovery for the coming months."

He further reiterated that infrastructure projects under the "BBB" program will help in the recovery of the economy that shrank for the second consecutive quarter and fuel economic growth in the coming months.

Based on DPWH data, it is estimated that the "BBB" program had created five million jobs from 2016 to 2019. It is estimated that it will generate more than 1.5 million jobs this year despite the pandemic. This to some extent, will help in stabilising and boosting economic activity in the country.
BBB Successes
Despite the lockdown and quarantine measures in the past few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of flagship infrastructure projects were completed. These include (1) the Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project; (2) the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway Rosario Exit; (3) the newly opened four-lane Sorsogon City Coastal Road; (4) New Clark City [Phase 1A]; (5) Harbor Link; (6) Sangley Airport; (7) Broadband project with Facebook [Luzon Bypass Infrastructure]; (8) Bohol-Panglao International Airport; (9) Laguna Lake Highway; (10) Cagayan de Oro Port, the country's biggest passenger terminal port; (11) TPLEX Rosario; (12) TPLEX Pozorrubio; (13) New World-Class Terminal in Mactan-Cebu International Airport; (14) Lal-lo International Airport; and (15) Puerto Princesa International Airport.

Likewise, infrastructure developments for the domestic airports of Virac, Marinduque, Tuguegarao, San Vicente, and Busuanga in Luzon; Maasin, Tacloban, and Catarman in the Visayas; and Ipil, Camiguin, and Siargao in Mindanao, have also been completed.

In more than four years since the "BBB" program was launched in 2017, it has already built roads, bridges, classrooms, and flood control facilities among others, that to a considerable extent, have improved the lives of many Filipinos. To note, the "BBB" program was able to complete around 121 airport projects - 114 are ongoing and 75 are for procurement; 369 commercial, social, and tourism seaports - 108 are still in the process of completion; 23,657 kilometres of roads; and 4,959 bridges.

Since the end of 2019, the "BBB" program was also able to complete 71,803 classrooms across the country that has benefited more than 3.2 million students. A total of 4,536 flood mitigation structures were also completed to expand protected flood-prone areas across the country, while 82 evacuation centres were built by the DPWH in 52 provinces while 55 more are underway.

The construction of six railway projects is also underway, while additional railway projects are also in the pipeline. Once all the railway projects are completed, the number of stations across all railway systems will increase to 169 from 59, the number of trains to 1,425 from 221, and daily ridership to 3.26 million from 1.02 million. The international airports in Davao, General Santos, Zamboanga, Iloilo, Kalibo, and Laoag are also undergoing improvements.
Conclusion
The delivery and completion of "BBB" projects within the target timeframe under the current administration will not only steer and drive economic recovery of the country amid the pandemic and in the post-pandemic era, but will to some degree enhance, improve and further develop land, air, sea, and inter-island connectivity and mobility in the country.

This will also facilitate balanced development and to a greater extent diffuse economic activities and development from the urban centres of the country toward rural areas or the countryside. The transport-related infrastructure projects will not only ease traffic and road congestion in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other traditional urban areas like Metro Davao and Metro Cebu but will also facilitate the transporting of people and goods from one place/island to another.

The completion of all these infrastructure projects, in the long run, would not only to a greater extent, sustain, accelerate, and achieve the desired economic growth of the country but most importantly, will improve the Philippines' global competitiveness.
Related Articles: How The Philippines Is Fighting COVID-19 Can Duterte's "Build! Build! Build!" Boost The Philippines' Economy?

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"Build Build Build" Program Amid a Pandemic

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Amidst the economic recession being experienced by the Philippines and the world at large caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, infrastructure development through the "Build Build Build" (BBB) program of the Duterte administration is said to be one of the key drivers if not the main driver of the economic recovery of the country.

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Batangas hastens infrastructure buildup for expected entry of investors

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Batangas hastens infrastructure buildup for expected entry of investors

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Batangas hastens infrastructure buildup for expected entry of investors | Roderick Abad

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MALVAR, Batangas-Gov. Hermilando I. Mandanas bared last Friday the province is rushing their infrastructure projects due to the entry of more investors into the province beginning 2018. During the Batangas Development Summit held last Friday at the Lima Park Hotel here, he said more foreign food-processing companies will be putting up their manufacturing plants here....

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Batangas pursues big infrastructure projects

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Batangas pursues big infrastructure projects

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Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a real estate Chinese firm for the development of an airport, a seaport and railways in the province.

In a recent trip to Hong Kong, Mandanas signed the MoU with Teamrise Group Co. Ltd. for six major projects geared toward the promotion of tourism, food security and air and cargo transportation in Batangas.

Among the projects covered by the memorandum is the development of the Batangas Access Zone, Sea Ports and Terminals expansion and a Food Terminal project on a 29-hectare property.

Mandanas wants Fernando Air Base in Lipa City to serve as a subsidiary airport to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, a Batangas-Calamba Laguna railways system and port expansions in Mabini town.

The MoU states that Teamrise Group represented by its chairman, Zhang Hua, has the financial and technical capabilities as well as an abundant experience in the planning, designing, financing, building and operating ports, railways and airports.

As a first step, Teamrise will conduct a preliminary study and research on the proposed endeavor and provide recommendations and technical support relative to the building, construction and operation of the projects.

The MoU also provides that the parties can eventually enter into partnership or organize a joint venture to realize the plans.
Tina Ganzon-Ozaeta

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Batangas pursues big infrastructure projects

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Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a real estate Chinese firm for the development of an airport, a seaport and railways in the province. In a recent trip to Hong Kong, Mandanas signed the MoU with Teamrise Group Co. Ltd.

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Investment in transportation, public buildings, water treatment systems, and other essential infrastructure is essential for creating jobs and full economic recovery. The ability of the economy to function and flourish is heavily influenced by the state of roads, bridges, schools, water treatment plants, and other physical assets. To acquire raw materials and parts, as well as deliver products to consumers, commerce necessitates well-maintained highways, trains, airports, and ports. Therefore, our provincial government needs to invest more in infrastructural developments that will pay dividends in the form of private-sector investment and productivity gains.

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Batangas is one of the leading provinces benefiting from the administration's "Build, Build, Build" initiative. Several road projects have been completed to improve goods and service mobility as well as the province's accessibility to adjacent regions, particularly the National Capital Region. This is greatly beneficial to the province as it attracts many investors to start their businesses in Batangas that will in return boost the province’s economy.

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A technological advancement that was very useful to everyone especially during this pandemic is the Internet. With the Internet, people can work from home, easily search for jobs, and start their businesses while staying in the comforts of their homes. A great example of this is the small business owners who promote, communicate, and sell their products to potential buyers through social media.

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Beige & Red Festive Photo Christmas Greeting Facebook Cover (2)

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Beige & Red Festive Photo Christmas Greeting Facebook Cover (1)

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DA provides P2.7M worth of aid to farmers in 3 Batangas towns

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DA provides P2.7M worth of aid to farmers in 3 Batangas towns

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THE government has awarded an initial P2.708 million worth of assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in Batangas affected by the Taal ashfall.

"President (Rodrigo R.) Duterte and Agriculture Secretary William (D.) Dar awarded an initial P2.708 million worth of assistance including crop insurance, livelihood, seed and seedlings, and farm machinery, among other donations to the affected farmers and fisherfolk of Talisay, Tanauan, and Sto. Tomas," the Department of Agriculture (DA) said in a statement Tuesday.

Some P160 million worth of assistance was also given elsewhere in Batangas, including Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Lemery, Laurel, Lipa City, San Jose, Nasugbu, Mataas Na Kahoy, Balete, Cuenca, Alitagtag, Padre Garcia, Malvar, and Taal.

The government is planning to put together a P30-billion package to respond to the damage caused by the Taal Volcano eruption.

The DA has said it will set aside P357 million from its Quick Response Fund for rehabilitation and recovery programs. The DA Field Office in Region IV-A also provided P22 million worth of assistance like equipment, seed, planting materials, and fingerlings.

Assistance amounting to P1.9 million was given by the Philippine Coconut Authority to affected coconut farmers, including seedlings and fertilizer. The Bureau of Plant Industry will also distribute coffee, cacao, mango, lanzones, rambutan, jackfruit, corn, squash, and cowpea seedlings.

The Agricultural Credit Policy Council will also provide P10 million for the use of the DA Taal Livestock Care Emergency Operations Center "to pay owners who wish to pawn their animals at 50% of their market value."

Damage to agriculture due to the eruption and ashfall has been estimated at P3.33 billion, with the fisheries sector accounting for the about 50%. The damage counts 16,150 hectares of farmland, and caused the death of 55,881 farm animals. - Vincent Mariel P. Galang

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DA provides P2.7M worth of aid to farmers in 3 Batangas towns - BusinessWorld Online

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THE government has awarded an initial P2.708 million worth of assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in Batangas affected by the Taal ashfall.

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DOLE releases over P5.1M aid in Batangas

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DOLE releases over P5.1M aid in Batangas

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Pandemic-affected workers in Batangas receive cash aid, Nego-Kart

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Displaced workers and parents of child laborers in Lipa City, and the towns of Bauan and San Pascual in Batangas have received cash assistance and livelihood opportunities from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

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Beige & Red Festive Photo Christmas Greeting Facebook Cover

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Unemployment not only reduces a family's disposable income, lessens purchasing power, lowers employee morale, but also reduces the economy's performance. As slow growth leads to increasing unemployment, the job and unemployment situation will only worsen, putting us further away from attaining the much-needed aim of returning to our pre-pandemic economic state. Higher unemployment costs workers and their families lost salaries and incomes, a further broadening of inequality, an unfavorable atmosphere for welfare reform, and the social costs of increased crime and worsening health. As the province of Batangas slowly reopens its economy, policymakers must address the unemployment problem by creating jobs and conducting trainings on how to start a business to assist them in getting back on their feet.

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When the pandemic hit the Philippines, many industries were adversely affected that pushed management to stop their operation and lay off employees. Because finding a job during this time is exceedingly tough, many Filipinos have simply given up looking. Those who do have jobs, on the other hand, are still hunting for more to fulfill their needs. According to a survey conducted by PSA, CALABARZON posted a 13.1% unemployment rate in January of 2021.

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Sustainable development is defined as development to address current needs without jeopardizing future generations' ability to meet their own. While the fundamental aim of sustainable development is to control the world's resources, it has continued to evolve as one of conserving the world's resources. The purpose was to create a set of universal goals that addressed the world's serious environmental, political, and economic concerns.

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Agriculture has gradually diminished in prominence as a source of income in the province, even though many people still farm and fish. Many agricultural lands have been converted to residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Rice, corn, sugar, coffee, pineapple, and vegetables are examples of farm products.

Petroleum refining, iron and steel, chemical, electronics, and processed food are all large manufacturing companies. Large power plants, such as Ilijan and Sta. Rosa can also be found in Batangas province. The power plants of Santa Rita, San Lorenzo, and Calaca.

As an alternative to the congested Manila ports, a modern international seaport was developed in Batangas City. The city is also a major port for inter-island shipping and the primary exit route for travelers using the roll-on roll-off (RORO) mode of transit to Mindoro Island, Visayas, and Mindanao. An expressway has been developed to link Batangas' capital city to the South Expressway, making travel from Metro Manila to this province easier.

Tourism is currently an important economy in the province, thanks to the many attractions like beautiful beaches and historical sites. Hundreds of resorts dot the coastline, and many more are planned by Manila's major real estate companies.

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According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, the population of Batangas is 2,908,494 people as of May 1, 2020, excluding Filipinos in Philippine embassies, consulates, and missions abroad (2020 CPH).

Batangas' population density in 2020 was 934 people per square kilometer, with a total land area of around 3,115.05 square kilometers. The population density has increased by 69 people per square kilometer (7.9%) from 2015 when it was 865 people per square kilometer. In 2010, each square kilometer of land had 763 people living in it.

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The Tagalog dialect used in the province is quite similar to the Old Tagalog used before the Spanish Colonization. As a result, the Summer Institute of Linguistics named this province the Heartland of the Tagalog Language. The Tagalog culture continues to have a strong influence to this day.

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As of 2010, 2, 245, 291 out of 2, 374, 237 are Roman Catholics in the Province of Batangas. This makes up 94.75% of the total population making Roman Catholicism the dominant religion in the province.

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According to the 2015 Census, the age group with the highest population in Batangas is 5 to 9, with 267,393 individuals. Conversely, the age group with the lowest population is 80 and over, with 24,609 individuals. Combining age groups, those aged 14 and below, consisting of the young dependent population which includes infants/babies, children, and young adolescents/teenagers, make up an aggregate of 29.82% (803,396). Those aged 15 up to 64, roughly, the economically active population and actual or potential members of the workforce, constitute a total of 64.97% (1,750,563). Finally, the old dependent population consisting of the senior citizens, those aged 65 and over, total 5.21% (140,376) in all.

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Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas is the governor of the Province of Batangas from 2016 to present.

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Batangas was the first administrative unit established on the island of Luzon by the Spaniards. It was a juridical district that encompassed the islands of Mindoro, Marinduque, and parts of Laguna prior to its official organization as a province in 1581. The province's capital was Balayan until 1732, until it was moved to Taal. Taal was a thriving town at the time, serving as the core of the coffee industry. The ancient town, however, was completely destroyed when the Taal Volcano erupted in 1754, forcing the capital to be relocated to Batangas City, which has remained the provincial capital to this day.

Batangas acquired the privilege to be honored in one of the sun rays on the Philippine Flag as one of the first provinces to join the revolt against Spain.

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Location – Southern Tagalog Region, Philippines
Neighboring Provinces – Cavite, Laguna, and Quezon
Capital – Batangas City
Area – 3,119.75 km2 (1,204.54 sq mi)
Cities (4) – Batangas, Lipa, Tanauan, Sto. Tomas Municipalities (31) – Agoncillo, Alitagtag, Balayan, Balete, Bauan, Calaca, Calatagan, Cuenca, Ibaan, Laurel, Lemery, Lian, Lobo, Mabini, Malvar, Mataas na Kahoy, Nasugbu, Padre Garcia, Rosario, San Jose, San Juan, San Luis, San Nicolas, San Pascual, Santa Teresita, Taal, Talisay, Taysan, Tingloy, Tuy

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KNOW MORE ABOUT THE PROVINCE OF BATANGAS!

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KNOW MORE ABOUT THE PROVINCE OF BATANGAS!