WB concerned over 'The Big One' plan

The World Bank has once again flagged delays in a project it is funding to better equip Metro Manila against earthquakes, which may prove more costly when the Philippines' capital region is shaken by the anticipated "Big One."

- BY BEN ARNOLD DE VERA

"Despite significant delays in the initial two years of implementation, the project has still enhanced the capacity of the DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] in emergency response, with additional 124 heavy equipment to restore transport and mobility in the National Capital Region (NCR) in the event of the 'Big One,'" the Washington-based multilateral lender said in a May 3 implementation status and results report on the Philippines seismic risk reduction and resilience project, seen by Manil