NEDA OKs systems modernization project

MANILA, Philippines —  The National Economic and Development Authority Board has approved a project aimed at modernizing the government’s processes.

Also securing NEDA Board approval are the extension for the submission of comparative proposals for the Laguindingan International Airport’s upgrade and  changes in the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project (MMPBSIP).

In a statement, the NEDA said that its Board, chaired by President Marcos, gave its approval to the Philippine Civil Service Modernization project during its Aug. 28 meeting.

Spearheaded by the Civil Service Commission, the project will utilize technology to further modernize processes by streamlining and simplifying the human resource information systems across various government agencies.

“The public sector employs nearly two million individuals who are essential to the provision of public services. If the system lacks efficiency, and government agencies are not interconnected, we cannot optimize our service delivery. By implementing new technologies, the project will automate and digitalize processes to enhance efficiency, leading to better coordination and response times, more accurate payroll processing, and streamlined recruitment and onboarding,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

The project will initially be rolled out in 39 pilot government agencies next year.

Project coverage will be expanded to cover 1,187 government agencies within the next decade.

“This project aligns with the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which aims to improve the quality of public sector services. We expect improvements in government productivity as a result of this initiative, and we will closely monitor its implementation and progress to accelerate its rollout,” Balisacan said.

In the same meeting, the NEDA Board confirmed the ad referendum approval of the extension for the submission of comparative proposals for the upgrade, expansion, operations and maintenance of the Laguindingan International Airport until Sept. 13.

“Upon the end of the challenge period for the Laguindingan airport, if there is no challenger, the project is expected to be awarded by end-September. Meanwhile if there is a challenge placed, the award of the project is be expected to be made by mid of December this year,” Balisacan said.

The NEDA Board also approved an increase in the budget and extension of the loan validity and implementation period for the MMPBSIP, aimed at enhancing Metro Manila’s resilience to massive earthquakes by retrofitting and fortifying the Guadalupe Bridge and the Lambingan Bridge.

With the approved increase in the project cost amounting to P2.406 billion, the MMPBSIP’s value is now at P10.339 billion.

This additional funding will cover the increase in civil works, the procurement of additional materials and modifications in the installation method.