Gov't approves P9.7-B LRT-2 extension project

MANILA, Philippines - The government’s review body has approved the P9.76 billion-extension project for the Light Railway Transit Line 2and four other projects with total cost of P32.67 billion, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) yesterday said.

The LRT Line 2 Extension Project will connect east of Manila to various commercial and residential areas in the capital city. It involves the design and construction of a 4.19-kilometer extension from the existing Santolan Station to Masinag Junction.

Furthermore, according to NEDA-ICC, two stations will be located at Emerald Drive, Cainta, Rizal in front of Robinson’s Place Metro East and Masinag Junction, Antipolo City, Rizal.

NEDA Deputy Director-General Rolando Tungpalan said the project would improve the mode of transportation from the east of Manila to other key areas.

“The project will provide rapid and reliable mode of transit to the east of Manila and to various strategic commercial, industrial and educational districts in Metro Manila,” Tungpalan said.

The total length of the LRT Line 2 will be around 16.75 kilometers upon completion of the extension.

The project’s total approved cost of P9.76 billion will be entirely financed by its proponent, the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

“This project aims to reduce the use of motorized vehicles that contribute to both air and noise pollution,” Tungpalan said.

Another project approved by the ICC is the modernization of the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC), which involves construction of 700-bed capacity tertiary orthopedic hospital within the National Kidney and Transplant Institute Complex along East Avenue, Quezon City. 

Tungpalan said the project hopes to help make the state-owned facility at par with global standards.

With an approved cost of P5.69 billion, the project also involves the supply, installation, operations and management of modern diagnostics equipment and IT facilities.

Another project approved by the NEDA-ICC is the Upgrading and Rehabilitation Project of the Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC), which will improve the port’s facilities and services.

 “The project fulfills the government’s goal of raising productivity and incomes of fishery-based household through improving infrastructure,” Tungpalan said.

The project, with an approved cost of P2.70 billion, will be implemented by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The NEDA-ICC also approved the second phase of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Bridge Construction Acceleration Project for Calamity-Stricken Areas.

The project, with funding from the Government of Austria, involves the construction and replacement of 66 temporary bridges with steel structures across the country’s 15 regions.

“This project will provide reliable, safe, and continuous transport service that will reduce travel distance and time, and transport costs of passengers and goods,” Tungpalan said.

The P6.12-billion project will aid the government’s target of building 7,958 permanent bridges by the end of 2016.

The last project is the National Roads Bridge Placement Project (NRBRP) which will be funded by the Government of United Kingdom (GUK).

With total approved cost of P8.4 billion, the project involves the construction and replacement of 133 bridges across the country.

 “The NBRBP is responsive to the infrastructure goals of the plan and is expected to increase transport access to basic services and economic opportunities,” said Tungpalan.

The ICC’s approval of these five projects will be endorsed to the NEDA Board for its confirmation, he said.

The NEDA Board, chaired by President Benigno Aquino III, is the country’s highest development planning and policy coordinating body.