President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said that the recently approved 194 high-impact infrastructure projects would create more jobs and invite more investments, eventually leading to his promise of a "new Philippines."

Marcos said this after he gave the green light to 123 high-impact infrastructure projects initiated by his administration and 71 from his predecessor. In total, these projects cost around P9 trillion.

In his latest vlog, the President said the recently approved projects would address issues in the following areas:

• Digital connectivity
• Flood control
• Irrigation
• Water supply
• Health
• Power
• Energy

According to the President, infrastructure projects will bring more jobs to laborers and skilled workers. He noted that the infrastructure sector generated 1.4 million jobs during the pandemic.

He added that modern infrastructure would likewise attract more investments.

The chief executive cited the presentable ports, accessible roads, reliable energy supply, and connectivity.

"'Yan ang mga hinahanap ng mga investor na nais magsimula ng negosyo sa ating bansa (That's what investors, who want to start their business in our country, are looking for)," Marcos said.

"Ito pong mga negosyanteng ito ay magdadala ng daan-daang libong mga trabaho para sa atin at bilyung-bilyong kita para sa bansa (These businessmen will bring thousands of jobs for our people and billions in profit for our country)," he added.

President Marcos explained that infrastructure would help solve the country's traffic woes, noting the importance of these projects after the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) study in 2018 showed that the Philippines was losing P3.5 billion a day due to the Metro Manila traffic.

"By improving the railway system, we invite the public to use them and lessen the number of private vehicles on the road," he said.

Tourism

According to the President, new and better infrastructure, particularly airports, would also boost the country's tourism.

Marcos said having more airports would give other provinces more opportunities to be visited by tourists.

"Napakarami po nating magagandang lugar, kailangan lang gawin nating accessible. Tiyak ay dadayuhin tayo ng ating mga turista (There are many beautiful places in the country, we just need to make them accessible. For sure, tourists will come here)," he said.

"'Yan ang magdadala ng mas maraming kabuhayan sa ating mga lalawigan (This will bring more livelihood to the people in our provinces)," he added.

Connectivity

The chief executive said farm-to-market roads and irrigation projects would help farmers connect with markets. These will help bring down the prices of goods and help the Philippines achieve its goal of food security.

Marcos likewise stressed the importance of digital connectivity as it will give the country more opportunities and connect the Philippines with the rest of the world.

"It should connect markets and involve more people in the digital economy," he said.