NEDA OKs P5-billion budget for Orthopedic modernization

MANILA, Philippines - The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) chaired by President Aquino has approved the P5.691-billion budget for the modernization of the Philippine Orthopedic Center and the P3.927 billion allocation for Basic Education Assistance for Muslim Mindanao.

The NEDA Board also “conditionally” approved the Development Objective Agreement between the Philippines and the United States on Family Health amounting to P8.9 billion and additional financing for the World Bank-assisted, second Land Administration and Management Project (LAMP 2).

Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ricky Carandang said the two projects were approved on condition that “breakdowns of the amounts be validated.”

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the Aquino administration has allotted P5 billion for high-impact flood-control projects to be undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The amount would be used for the implementation of the flood management master plan in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

The allocation was confirmed by NEDA chief Arsenio Balisacan.

“President Aquino has instructed us to address the urgent flooding problem as swiftly as possible, particularly in Metro Manila and other nearby high-risk provinces. The recently approved allotment will support the implementation of a flood management master plan in these areas, where floodwaters rise even with moderate rains,” Abad said.

Under the flood management master plan, the DPWH together with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and concerned local government units, will implement flood and drainage management projects in targeted areas to mitigate the effects of flooding.