Chapter 32: Planning 1

In the early hours of the morning, as the golden rays of dawn filtered through the windows, Alfonso embarked on his daily ritual of exercise. With no pressing meetings on his schedule for the day, he leisurely completed his routine and settled in for a hearty breakfast. As the flavors of the meal lingered on his palate, his mind was already in motion, anticipating the tasks that lay ahead.

He made his way to his workroom, a space that witnessed the birth of many plans that would shape the future of the Philippines. Today's agenda was a comprehensive one, stretching across various dimensions of the nation's development. His pen hovered over the paper, ready to breathe life into drafts that encompassed not just trains, but also dams, ships for the navy and coast guard, aircraft for the air force, and tanks along with other armaments for the entire armed forces.

The first order of business was the train draft. Alfonso's thoughts meandered into the annals of history, conjuring the image of the first train that made its momentous journey in the Philippines. He painted a vivid canvas that recounted the advent of rail transportation, a tale that began on November 24, 1892, with the inauguration of the Manila-Dagupan Railway. It marked a turning point, igniting a journey toward connectivity, progress, and national unity.

As his pen danced across the paper, Alfonso's vision was clear. The established train tracks offered a foundation that required expansion and modernization. It was a logical step to leverage the ongoing "Build Build Build" project, integrating the principles of railway development that had been proposed by past governments. His draft embraced these plans while extending further to introduce a visionary concept: an underground subway network.

Alfonso acknowledged that the current technological landscape might pose challenges to the rapid establishment of such an ambitious subway system. Yet, he envisioned a future where the Philippines would boast an advanced underground train network, easing traffic congestion, promoting efficient urban living, and revolutionizing transportation.

With history as his guide, Alfonso's blueprint sought to amplify the reach of the Philippine railway system. He visualized the integration of electric trains, a forward-looking approach to transportation. The potential of electric trains lay in their efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions. It was a cornerstone of his plan to build a sustainable future.

As the blueprint took shape, Alfonso pondered the implications. Electric trains would be a game-changer, contributing to a cleaner environment, lower operational costs, and enhanced passenger comfort. His thoughts flowed into the design of stations equipped with modern amenities, accessibility features, and efficient energy systems.

In the context of the recently passed infrastructure bill, Alfonso recognized the opportunity before him. The legislation was a canvas on which he could paint a vision of a future where trains seamlessly connected regions, eased urban congestion, and contributed to economic prosperity. The plan also bore in mind the importance of economic inclusivity, ensuring that the benefits of modern transportation extended to all corners of the nation.

As he etched his ideas onto paper, he acknowledged the historical progression of subways – from the London Underground in the mid-19th century to the present – and the future potential it held for efficient urban transportation.

Despite the technological challenges, the current train system could see significant expansion, serving as the cornerstone of the nation's development. The Philippines' geographical landscape was dotted with established tracks, and the task at hand was to extend them further, creating arteries that could withstand the demands of the future. Alfonso's vision emphasized the importance of integrated transport, fostering economic growth, reducing carbon emissions, and easing the lives of commuters.

Nestled within the infrastructure bill, the train project stood as a testament to the nation's commitment to progress. Alfonso recognized that the responsibility of formulating the train proposal rested on his shoulders. As he mapped out the routes, stations, and technological adaptations, he realized that the benefits were manifold – efficient commuting, reduced traffic congestion, and the creation of thousands of jobs.

After drafting a plan for trains, Alfonso turned his attention to Dams

In the realm of Philippine history, dams stand as monumental symbols of progress, resilience, and harnessing the power of nature for the benefit of society. As Alfonso delved into the depths of his plans, he recognized the crucial role that dams played in the nation's development and sustainability.

Having meticulously detailed his vision for an advanced railway network, Alfonso's focus now shifted to the realm of dams. These majestic structures held the potential to transform the landscape, shape the environment, and serve as lifelines for both the Philippines and its people.

Reflecting on the history of dams in the Philippines, Alfonso traced their origins back to the early 20th century, when the country first embarked on harnessing water resources for irrigation, power generation, and flood control. Over the years, a tapestry of dams emerged, etching their mark on the geography of the nation.

With the blueprint of his grand plan before him, Alfonso envisioned a future where dams played a pivotal role in addressing water scarcity, generating clean energy, and mitigating the impacts of natural disasters. He understood that the benefits of dams were multifaceted, extending far beyond their physical structures.

Drawing from his future memory, Alfonso saw the presence of key dams that had left an indelible mark on the nation's progress:

Angat Dam: Nestled in Bulacan, this dam served as a vital water source for Metro Manila, fueling the bustling metropolis's needs while also facilitating irrigation and power generation.

Magat Dam: Dominating the landscape of Isabela, Magat Dam exemplified versatility as a multi-purpose reservoir. It facilitated irrigation, power generation, and flood control, fostering both growth and security.

San Roque Dam: Standing majestically in Pangasinan, this colossal multi-purpose dam epitomized the fusion of engineering and nature. Its functions spanned irrigation, power generation, and flood control, offering a shield against calamity.

Pantabangan Dam: Situated in Nueva Ecija, this dam epitomized synergy with its surroundings. It harnessed water resources for both irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, exemplifying sustainable development.

Ambuklao Dam: In Benguet, the sound of cascading water concealed a powerful secret. Ambuklao Dam's hydroelectric capabilities contributed significantly to the Luzon grid's power generation.

-Binga Dam: A companion to Ambuklao in Benguet, Binga Dam seamlessly intertwined with its natural setting. It harnessed hydroelectric energy to illuminate lives across the Luzon grid.

Caliraya Dam: Gracefully adorning Laguna's landscape, Caliraya Dam assumed the role of a reservoir and hydroelectric power generator. Its presence underscored the harmony between nature and technological progress.

Calumpang River Diversion Dam: Nestled in Batangas, this dam held the dual responsibility of irrigation and flood control, acting as a shield against nature's fury.

As Alfonso contemplated these dam projects, he visualized a united front, a landscape transformed by the power of innovative engineering and a commitment to the well-being of the Filipino people. Dams emerged not merely as architectural marvels but as instruments of growth, fortification, and sustainable development.

The benefits of dams cascaded like a river of progress, fostering agricultural abundance, powering industries, mitigating floods, and laying the foundations for a thriving economy. Alfonso understood that dams were the embodiment of the nation's resilience and its pursuit of prosperity.