NEDA okays 2 key infra projects

MANILA, Philippines - The Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved two key infrastructure projects that aim to provide faster road access in Luzon.

In a statement yesterday, NEDA said the ICC’s Cabinet Committee approved the Arterial Road Bypass Project (ARBP) Phase II that will complete the plan to decongest part of the Pan-Philippine Highway (PPH) from Guiguinto to San Rafael, Bulacan.

To be spearheaded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the project includes the construction of four bridges and drainage facilities, among others.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr. said the project is seen to enhance the economic integration of Metro Manila with the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, the Cagayan Valley region and Aurora.

“The project will enhance the economic and physical integration of Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan and Nueva Ecija and even the Cagayan Valley region and Aurora,” Paderanga said.

The project’s total cost of ARBP Phase II is approximately P3.26 billion, of which P1.55 billion is being applied for possible loan assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

NEDA said the project would be implemented from 2012 to 2017.

Another infrastructure project approved by the ICC-CabCom is the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) Phase I of DPWH that will stretch from the end of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway in Tarlac City then eastward to Cabanatuan City until San Jose City, Nueva Ecija.

The CCLEX project is estimated to cost a total of P15.11 billion. The government is eyeing to tap JICA for possible loan assistance of P10.58 billion. It is also targeted to be implemented from 2012 to mid-2017.

“The CLLEX will integrate the Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Aurora and the Cagayan Valley region with Metro Manila and the rest of Northern Luzon, which is consistent with our regional growth strategy,” Paderanga also said.