Manila: The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved PHP70.6 billion worth of projects aimed at boosting infrastructure and economic progress across the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, the NEDA Board approved the projects during its 25th meeting. Among the projects is the PHP56.7-billion Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which will benefit 4.13 million households across 500 municipalities. Supported by the World Bank, the project aims to strengthen community capacities for participatory resilience planning and increase access to resilient investments for critical projects in vulnerable areas, particularly those with high poverty and climatic risks.
The Board also sanctioned the construction of the PHP13.9-billion Tumauini River Multipurpose Project by the National Irrigation Administration in Isabela. This initiative intends to irrigate 8,200 hectares across 32 barangays, enhancing the productivity and income of 5,860 farmer beneficiaries. Implementation is scheduled from September 2025 to September 2030.
Additional projects include changes in scope, cost, and implementation for Phase 2 of the Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project, involving the construction of a dam and reservoir in Zambales to irrigate 21,935 hectares of new service areas. The Board also approved changes for the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project to boost economic growth in Mindanao through improved road infrastructure.
NEDA Secretary and Vice Chair Arsenio Balisacan emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting inclusive growth. He stated that prioritizing regional growth enhances infrastructure and creates economic opportunities, reflecting the vision of nationwide progress.
During the meeting, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines provided updates on ongoing PPP projects, including major airports and the Metro Rail Transit Line 7. Currently, 224 projects are under implementation, with 175 projects in the pipeline. Balisacan highlighted the need for strengthened coordination and streamlined processes to address implementation challenges and ensure timely delivery of infrastructure projects to support economic growth.
