NEDA BOARD APPROVES HIGH-IMPACT PROJECTS WORTH PHP 269.7 BILLION TO BOOST TOURISM, HEALTHCARE, AND INFRASTRUCTURE
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., has given the green light to a series of high-impact programs and projects totaling approximately PHP 269.7 billion during its tenth meeting today. The approved initiatives aim to bolster tourism, address healthcare gaps, and enhance the country’s infrastructure.
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Projects:
Upgrade, Expansion, Operations, and Maintenance of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport
The NEDA Board has approved the PHP 4.5 billion Upgrade, Expansion, Operations, and Maintenance of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport project. This PPP initiative aims to increase passenger capacity and enhance the overall passenger experience. The expansion will elevate the maximum passenger throughput from 2 million to 2.5 million passengers per year initially, expected to reach 3.9 million by project completion. The goal is to boost tourism and create high-quality jobs.
Dialysis Center Project of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center
To address the need for accessible and affordable hemodialysis treatment, the Board approved the PHP 392 million Dialysis Center PPP Project for the Renal Center Facility of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center. With chronic kidney disease being a significant health concern, this project aims to increase the number of active hemodialysis machines from 30 to 108 by 2029, providing more affordable dialysis treatment to a larger number of patients.
Official Development Assistance (ODA) Projects:
Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility – Second Additional Financing
The Board confirmed the approval of the Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility’s Second Additional Financing, with a total project cost of PHP 13.08 billion, including PHP 11.38 billion financed through ODA from the ADB. This initiative seeks to expedite the implementation of Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) by streamlining project preparation activities.
Green Economy Programme in the Philippines
In a move to enhance solid waste management, the Board approved the Green Economy Programme in the Philippines, financed through a PHP 3.62-billion grant from the European Union. This program aims to build capacity at various levels to mainstream green economy activities, promote a circular economy, reduce waste and plastic, and increase energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment.
Infrastructure Expansion and Improvement:
Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge
The Board approved changes to the cost and implementation timeline of the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) project. The adjustments accommodate an updated detailed engineering design, utilizing superior construction materials and a stronger bridge structure. The cost will increase to PHP 219.3 billion, and the implementation period will be extended to December 2029.
Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project
Consistent with the government’s public transportation goals, the Board approved changes to the cost, scope, and timeline of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project. This includes mixed traffic sections, increased stations, optimized routes, and an overall increase in the number of buses. The cost will be adjusted to PHP 28.78 billion, and the implementation period extended until the end of December 2027.
Conclusion:
With these approved projects, the Marcos Administration underscores its commitment to advancing infrastructure development aggressively, aiming to achieve medium-term development goals of creating more high-quality jobs and improving the lives of all Filipinos.
