Burnham Park in Baguio City (NEIL CLARK ONGCHANGCO / file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) must expand its concept of public works, said Senator Sonny Angara on Tuesday, pointing out that the country is lacking public parks and sports facilities.
“Maybe we can expand the concept of public works for public parks or for sports facilities kasi ‘yan ang kulang,” said Angara during the Senate committee on finance’s hearing on the proposed 2024 budget of the DPWH.
(Maybe we can expand the concept of public works for public parks or sports facilities because that’s what’s missing.)
Angara pointed out that the establishment of sports centers and public parks has benefits, especially for children.
“The benefits of sports to children are very underrated. I think you’ve acknowledged in other fora the benefit to the wellbeing of the public in public spaces like parks,” said Angara.
“I think maybe [we] could use [public parks and sports facilities] on top of buildings. Maybe there are ways that we can be creative about it,” he suggested.
According to the senator, these are his suggestions to the DPWH going forward.
DPWH’s proposed allocation for 2024 is P822.200 billion, slightly lower than the agency’s P824.200 billion budget under the 2023 General Appropriations Act.