The Philippines is pushing for faster implementation of the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan 2026–2035, with economic planners calling for regional infrastructure projects to deliver more jobs, investments and opportunities for communities.

Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the country’s ASEAN chairship priority on “Prosperity Corridors” aims to turn connectivity into an engine of inclusive and sustainable growth across Southeast Asia.

“A corridor should be more than a transport route. It should be an economic space where infrastructure, industry, energy, logistics, digital systems, skills, and investment reinforce one another to create shared and sustainable growth,” Balisacan said in a news release Friday.

He said stronger domestic and cross-border connections are essential to unlocking the region’s economic potential.

With the 10-year plan providing a roadmap for ASEAN connectivity, Balisacan identified four priorities for implementation: treating connectivity as an integrated economic system; prioritizing projects that strengthen competitiveness and resilience; developing a pipeline of investment-ready projects; and measuring success by their impact on people’s livelihoods.

“Success should not be judged only by kilometers of roads, transmission lines installed, or digital networks connected,” he said.

“The real test is whether these investments lower costs, raise productivity, create quality jobs, reduce vulnerabilities, and bring more people and places into the region’s growth process,” he added.

Balisacan said achieving the plan’s goals will require stronger institutional governance, sustained financing and thorough project preparation, as well as closer cooperation among ASEAN member states, the private sector, development partners and local communities.

He reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to working with regional partners to implement the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan 2026–2035. (PNA)