As-Delivered Press Statement of NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan on the 9th NEDA Board Meeting
I am pleased to announce that the National Economic and Development Authority Board, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., convened and approved several high-impact initiatives during its ninth meeting today.
Expediting the Processing of IFPs
First, the NEDA Board confirmed the proposed Executive Order that will enable the expeditious processing of licenses, clearances, permits, certifications, and authorizations for the Marcos Administration’s Infrastructure Flagship Projects or IFPs. The primary goal of this proposed EO is to minimize if not eliminate delays in the implementation of IFPs.
This EO will require all government offices, agencies, and instrumentalities including LGUs, to streamline the standard procedure and requirements for the IFPs. The simplified requirements will be applicable to both pending and new applications within the NEDA Board approved list of IFPs, as well as any additions to the updated IFP list.
Additionally, the EO facilitates electronic application submissions to the concerned agencies and Local Government Units or LGUs, including the payments and issuance of receipts. This EO encourages a whole-of-government approach by directing national government agencies to automate and computerize their databases. This will promote data sharing among government agencies in order to eliminate the unnecessary duplication of document submission. LGUs are also mandated to establish business one-stop shops and are highly encouraged to coordinate with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, or DICT, to adopt interoperable ICT platforms.
In line with this, the Anti-Red Tape Authority, or ARTA, in coordination with NEDA, shall establish a reporting framework to track agencies’ compliance.
Reconstitution of INFRACOM
Second, the Board approved the reconstitution of the NEDA Board Committee on Infrastructure, or INFRACOM, to include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the DICT as integral members of the committee.
The DENR’s inclusion in the INFRACOM underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that infrastructure development takes into account critical elements such as ecosystem protection, rehabilitation and management, sustainability, and resilience. Additionally, it ensures representation of the water sector, considering the recently established Water Resource Management Office within the DENR.
Furthermore, as we recognize the continued significance of ICT in overall infrastructure development, DICT will play a vital role in appropriately integrating ICT-related considerations in the committee’s deliberations and decisions.
Updated Framework for NG-LGU Cost-Sharing
Third, the NEDA Board confirmed the overall principles and general recommendations for the proposed National Government-Local Government Unit Cost-Sharing schemes for financing infrastructure projects. This aims to delineate the roles of the national government and the LGUs, particularly in resource-poor areas or where resources may be needed to carry out the devolved functions and shared between the national government and LGUs.
Reduce Natural Gypsum and Anhydrite Tariff
Lastly, the NEDA Board endorsed the proposal to reduce tariffs on gypsum and anhydrite from 3.0 to 0 percent. It is worth noting that natural gypsum and anhydrite are not produced locally. These raw materials are used in the production of plasterboard and cement, which are commonly used in construction. With the reduction in tariffs, we anticipate a decrease in production costs and an improvement in the industry’s competitiveness as we ramp up our infrastructure drive.
Conclusion
With these policy updates, the Marcos Administration reaffirms its commitment to aggressively advance infrastructure development in order to enable social and economic transformation and support the attainment of our development goals in the medium term.
Thank you and good afternoon.