A comprehensive database on the Philippine infrastructure system and its most urgent demands is necessary for guiding infrastructure investments, according to a recent study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

The study titled “Transport Infrastructure in the Philippines: From Plans to Actual Allocation,” authored by PIDS research fellow Kris Francisco, noted that such a database would allow the government to plan based on current and future needs.

As such, the government can schedule investment activities in the “most efficient way possible”.

The study observed that the Philippines has “historically underinvested” in infrastructure, noting that this only changed a “few decades ago” when the country was more favorable financially to engage in long-term planning.

It noted that the country is demanding more infrastructure investments to bridge the gap caused by years of neglect and keep pace with its economic growth.

“The government’s appreciation of the country’s inadequate infrastructure, along with its decision to utilize infrastructure investments as a development tool, places the Philippines in a relatively good path,” the study read.

The PIDS, however, pointed out that data on government infrastructure investments and demand-related data are dispersed among different government agencies.

It explained that harmonizing available data is challenging due to issues such as inconsistency in formatting over the years, limited information on financial details of ongoing infrastructure projects, difficulties in aggregating, and disaggregating components.

And while there are workable sources, such as that of the General Appropriations Act (GAA), the figures often exclude investments by state-owned enterprises and the private sector.

With this, the PIDS recommends that a comprehensive database on infrastructure should contain information on the stock of public infrastructure.

Specifically, about their geographic locations, physical conditions, length of expected life, annual depreciation, and weather-related depreciation, among others.

It should also include the list of ongoing and planned physical infrastructure, as well as data on infrastructure use to get a gauge on current and future demand for infrastructure.

“Having this centralized source of information can help enhance long-term infrastructure planning,” the study stated.

The state-run think tank emphasized that while getting investments flowing toward the country’s most urgent infrastructure demand is important, a clear understanding of the present infrastructure needs is similarly crucial.

“A comprehensive database on public infrastructure can help deliver this”, it said, noting its value in helping the government track its progress.