Economist-solon Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda has suggested a move that could provide a shot in the arm to President Marcos' ''Build Better More'' infrastructure development program.

In a statement over the weekend, Salceda proposed that the Marcos administration look into the creation of a Project Readiness Index, particularly in connection with nearly ₱1 trillion worth of delayed Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects in the country.

The outgoing solon described the Project Readiness Index as ''a technical scoring tool that assesses implementation readiness based on factors such as right-of-way access, detailed design completion, procurement progress, budget programming, and staffing''.

Salceda claimed that implementing such would accelerate the implementation of ODA projects.

“The Readiness Index will help the government identify which projects can be accelerated now and which ones need more preparation. It will also help guide the timing of budget releases and technical support,” explained the Bicolano.

“This proposal is not meant to block or delay approvals. It is meant to support 'Build Better More' by turning commitments into completions,” he said.

Build Better More is the Marcos government's take on the previous administration’s Build, Build, Build initiative.

Citing the 2024 ODA Portfolio Review, Salceda noted that the country’s active ODA portfolio has reached $39.61 billion, with $24.81 billion allocated to infrastructure.

He said this reflected what he described as a “clear and consistent focus” by President Marcos on long-term public investment.

“This administration has secured the financing and set the vision. Now the work is to deliver results faster and more cost-effectively,” Salceda said.

The government paid $16.80 million in commitment fees last year due to undisbursed loan funds, the report added. Salceda said this figure underscores the need for better alignment between financing and delivery.

According to the same report, 72 percent of Investment Coordination Committee (ICC)-approved ODA projects are delayed, with average setbacks of almost 39 months. Salceda says these include close to ₱1 trillion in programs that are already approved and funded but have yet to move at full speed.

“These are not proposals on paper. They are ongoing projects with real economic and social returns once completed. The goal now is to help government finish them sooner,” he said.

Salceda, who was the House Committee on Ways and Means chairman during the just-concluded 19th Congress, said he will recommend that the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) consider adopting the strategy in time for the 2026 budget cycle.