NEDA OKs P70.6 billion projects for infrastructure, community resilience

MANILA, Philippines —  The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved P70.6 billion worth of projects aimed at boosting community resilience and infrastructure development.

In a statement, the agency said the NEDA Board, chaired by President Marcos, gave the green light to the P56.7-billion Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which aims to strengthen the resilience of communities to economic shocks, especially natural disasters.

Supported by the World Bank, the project is the successor to DSWD’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services National Community-Driven Development Program.

The project, which targets areas with high poverty incidence, severe climatic hazards, stunting rates and significant indigenous populations, is expected to benefit 4.13 million households across 500 municipalities.

It will involve a proactive approach to participatory planning and implementation to strengthen the decision-making capacity of communities and their resilience initiatives.

The NEDA Board also approved the construction of the P13.9-billion Tumauini River Multipurpose Project by the National Irrigation Administration in Isabela to enhance farmers’ income and productivity.

Scheduled to be implemented from September this year until September 2030, the project is designed to irrigate about 8,200 hectares across 26 barangays in Tumauini, three barangays in Cabagan and three barangays in the City of Ilagan.

During the meeting, the NEDA Board also approved the request for changes in scope, cost and implementation period for the Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project Phase II.

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

Also approved by the NEDA Board was 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 support economic growth in Mindanao by improving roads and bridges.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the approval of these projects is in line with the government’s push for 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,” he said.

The NEDA said the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center also provided updates on the progress of the PPP projects during the NEDA Board meeting.

At present, 224 PPP projects are being implemented including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Bulacan International Airport, Laguindingan and Bohol International Airports and the Metro Rail Transit Line 7.