Ang Pahayagan

MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved PHP70.6 billion worth of projects to boost infrastructure and economic progress across the country.

In a statement, NEDA said the Board approved the projects during its 25th meeting on Wednesday.

One of these projects is the PHP56.7-billion Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which would benefit 4.13 million households across 500 municipalities in the country.

The project, which is also supported by the World Bank, aims to strengthen community capacities for participatory resilience planning and increase access to resilient investments for critical projects in vulnerable areas.

It targets areas with high poverty incidence, severe climatic hazards, stunting rates, and significant indigenous populations.

NEDA said the project allows local communities to plan and implement solutions tailored to their specific needs while enhancing the communities’ ability to withstand and recover from economic shocks, especially natural disasters.

The Board also approved the construction of the PHP13.9-billion Tumauini River Multipurpose Project by the National Irrigation Administration in Isabela.

The project aims to irrigate 8,200 hectares across 26 barangays in Tumauini, three barangays in Cabagan, and three barangays in the City of Ilagan.

Scheduled to be implemented from September 2025 to September 2030, the project aims to enhance the productivity and income of 5,860 farmers-beneficiaries.

Aside from these projects, the NEDA Board also approved the request for changes in scope, cost, and implementation period for the Phase 2 of the Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project.

With the construction of a 105.5-meter-high dam and reservoir in Zambales’ mountains, the project aims to irrigate 21,935 hectares of new service areas and stabilize irrigation for 12,475 hectares under its first phase implementation.

NEDA said the Board also approved the request for a change in scope and the reallocation of loan proceeds for the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project.

The project aims to boost economic growth in Mindanao by improving roads and bridges, while also ensuring resilience in road infrastructure development.

NEDA Secretary and the Board’s Vice Chair Arsenio Balisacan said the approval of these projects reflects the government’s continuing commitment to promoting inclusive growth.

“By prioritizing regional growth, we are not only enhancing infrastructure but also creating sustainable economic opportunities throughout the country. These initiatives reflect our vision of a nation where every region thrives and plays a significant role in driving national progress,” Balisacan said.

NEDA, meanwhile, said that during the meeting, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines provided updates on the progress of the PPP projects.

To date, 224 projects are ongoing implementation, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Bulacan International Airport, Laguindingan and Bohol International Airports, and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 7.

According to NEDA, the PPP Center also reported that 175 projects are in the pipeline, including the Iloilo International Airport, the Boracay Bridge Project, and the PPP for School Infrastructure Project (Phase 3).

“To address issues in project implementation, we must strengthen our coordination and streamline processes across all levels of government and among stakeholders. This includes proactively managing issues such as site conditions, funding, and approvals. By enhancing our planning, oversight, and collaboration, we can reduce delays and ensure that infrastructure projects are delivered on time to benefit our communities and support economic growth,” Balisacan said. (PNA)