House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez, a staunch backer of the administration's "Build, Better, More" initiative, has imparted to Filipino engineers President Marcos' vision for the country when it comes to their field.

Romualdez, leader of the House of Representatives, was the guest of honor of about 5,000 civil engineers who attended the 2024 Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Midyear Convention, International Engineering Expo, and Technical Conference at the SMX Convention Center in MOA (Mall of Asia) Complex Friday morning, June 14 in Pasay City.

“In ensuring a better future for Filipinos, we must also focus on inclusivity and accessibility. The infrastructure we build must be designed to meet the needs of all citizens, including those in underserved and remote areas,” he told the members of the 87-year-old organization.

Romualdez said it is the vision of President Marcos for the Philippines to be a country that “stands tall on the foundations of integrity, sustainability and progress", and where citizens have access to “quality infrastructure, education, and opportunities".

“The future we envision for the Philippines is one where every Filipino has access to quality infrastructure, education, and opportunities. It is a future where our engineering sector continues to thrive, driven by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to excellence,” he said.

“By bridging gaps and connecting communities, we pave the way for equal opportunities and sustainable development. Our legislative efforts aim to support these initiatives, ensuring that no Filipino is left behind as we move forward,” the Speaker said.

“The bridges you build, the roads you pave, and the buildings you construct are not just structures of concrete and steel; they are symbols of our collective aspirations and the foundation of our future,” the Leyte 1st district congressman added, as he acknowledged the importance of engineers.

Build, Better, More is Marcos' infrastructure development initiative.

Romualdez, in his speech, pointed out that “nation-building is a collective effort that requires the dedication, skills, and innovations of every sector of society".

“As engineers, you are the architects of progress, shaping the infrastructure that forms the backbone of our nation. Through your expertise, you ensure that our communities are resilient, our economy is robust, and our nation is prepared to face the challenges of the 21st century. Your role in nation-building extends beyond the physical structures you create,” the Speaker stressed.

“You are pivotal in fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, inspiring the next generation of engineers to dream bigger and reach higher,” he said, as he called on PICE to continue its programs of producing competent professionals who keep on innovating for the benefit of the country.

The House leader, who also sits as president of the dominant Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) party, noted that it has been very “evident that the collaboration between the government, private sector, and professional organizations like PICE is instrumental in driving progress".

“The House remains steadfast in its commitment to support the engineering profession and industry through robust legislation and effective governance. Let us continue to work together, innovate, and build a better Philippines for future generations,” Romualdez declared.