Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday, July 15, filed Senate Bill No. 2331, otherwise known as the Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development (MIND) Act, seeking to institutionalize a long-term, coordinated approach to infrastructure planning through the establishment of a 30-year Comprehensive Infrastructure Development Masterplan (CIDMP) and the creation of the Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development (MIND) Council.
Go said the proposed measure aims to ensure continuity in infrastructure development beyond political administrations by providing a clear roadmap for the country’s long-term growth.
“Kailangan nating tiyakin na ang pagpapaunlad ng ating imprastraktura ay hindi lang nakabatay sa kasalukuyan kundi nakatuon din sa kinabukasan. Dapat may malinaw tayong direksyon upang tuloy-tuloy ang pag-unlad at mas maraming Pilipino ang makinabang,” Go said.
Under the proposed measure, the CIDMP would serve as the country’s 30-year blueprint for infrastructure investment and development. It would establish the nation’s long-term vision, goals, and strategies while serving as the framework for planning, prioritizing, and implementing infrastructure programs consistent with the Philippine Development Plan and other national development priorities.
The bill also proposes to establish a whole-of-government strategy to strengthen coordination among national agencies, with the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) serving as the lead coordinator.
If enacted into law, the proposed measure would create the MIND Council to oversee the preparation, implementation, and periodic revision of the CIDMP. The Council would be tasked with coordinating infrastructure investments, monitoring project implementation, streamlining policies across government agencies, and carrying out other functions necessary to implement the national infrastructure masterplan.
The proposal likewise provides that the Council may also establish a consultative and advisory committee composed of experts in urban planning, engineering, environmental sustainability, infrastructure, housing, public health, and other related fields.
“Ang maayos na imprastraktura ay pundasyon ng mas matatag na ekonomiya, mas maraming trabaho, mas mabilis na serbisyo ng gobyerno, at mas magandang kalidad ng buhay para sa ating mga kababayan. Kaya kailangan itong planuhin nang maayos at ipagpatuloy anuman ang pagbabago sa pamahalaan,” Go stressed.
The bill further provides that the initial funding for its implementation would be charged, if enacted, against the current appropriations of the concerned government departments and agencies. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its continued implementation would be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, gusto nating mag-iwan ng matibay na pundasyon para sa susunod na henerasyon. Ang imprastrakturang may malinaw na direksyon at pangmatagalang plano ay susi sa isang mas progresibo, matatag, at inklusibong Pilipinas,” Go concluded.
