NEDA clears P31.6-B infra projects

A project on public safety and a bridge construction, collectively valued at P31.682 billion, were among those approved by the Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board.

The first of the two projects approved during last Friday’s meeting was the first phase of the Safe Philippines Project of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, which would cost P20.313 billion.

This aims to strengthen the capabilities of local government units in managing public order and safety through the construction of 18 integrated operations and command centers that are equipped with video surveillance systems and a remote backup data center.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the project is in line with a bedrock strategy of the administration’s socioeconomic agenda ensuring security, public order and safety.

“We value the need of people to feel safe wherever they are in the country and to be able to go about their business and other pursuits. This is essential in building the foundation for inclusive growth, a high trust society, and a globally competitive knowledge economy,” he said.

The second project is the Bridge Construction and Acceleration Project for Socioeconomic Development, which will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways. This involves the construction of five bridges and 25 truss bridges in nine regions. It will cost P11.369 billion to complete 2,848 lineal meters of these bridges by 2022.

NEDA-ICC-CabCom also approved additional financing for the New Bohol Panglao International Airport project because of further civil works requirement amounting to P1.23 billion. The new international gateway is expected to be completed by June 2018.

The project is funded through official development assistance (ODA) loan from the Japanese government coursed through the Japan International Cooperation Agency.