ROLL IT program seen to boost industry access in R6

The DTI VI and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) were joined by civil society organizations, industry cluster representatives, local government units, and other multi-sectoral groups during the Roads Leveraging Linkages for Industry and Trade (ROLL IT) Program Consultative Meeting on February 20, 2017.

The damaged and nearly-impassable roads leading to industries and trade development areas in the region may soon be addressed under the government’s Roads Leveraging Linkages for Industry and Trade (ROLL IT) Program.

The ROLL IT, spearheaded by the DTI and DPWH, is envisioned to further fuel the recent high growth of domestic investments as well as the surge in foreign direct investments of the country.

ROLL IT will leverage on the success and experiences of the Department of Tourism-DPWH Convergence Program or the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program that lead to upgrading of roads leading to tourist destinations, said ROLL IT Program Consultant Ronilo Balbieran.

Balbieran, also an infrastructure specialist under the USAID COMPETE Project, discussed the program to DTI VI OIC-Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon, DPWH officials, civil society organizations, industry cluster representatives, local government units, and other multi-sectoral groups during a consultative meeting on Monday, February 20, 2017.

Rascon said the project would provide infrastructure support for local industries in the region.

The ROLL IT Program is anchored and consistent with the President’s mandate, Ambisyon Natin 2040 (Executive Order 05, s. 2016), which envisions a predominantly middle-class society with enhanced standards of living, and aims to eradicate hunger and poverty.

This initiative of the DTI and DPWH is intended to contribute in delivering the twin promises of the present administration of accelerated infrastructure development and inclusive economic growth.

In November 29, 2016, the DTI and the DPWH signed a Memorandum of Agreement to create a Convergence Program on road connectivity for industry and trade development. The MOA aims to establish the working arrangement between the DTI and the DPWH to jointly undertake the planning, budgeting, advocacy for legislation, identification, evaluation, prioritization, regulation, supervision, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of industry-developing infrastructure projects in priority economic and manufacturing zones in the Philippines.