By Brian Jules Campued
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved the addition of 23 programs in the list of infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) to be prioritized under the “Build Better More” initiative of the Marcos administration.
In a statement, NEDA also said the Board chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delisted 36 projects from the list of IFPs during its meeting in Malacañang on Tuesday.
With the adjustment, there are now 185 IFPs with a total value of P9.14 trillion from the previous number of 198 and an indicative total cost of P8.78 trillion.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan clarified that their decision aims to prioritize faster implementation of crucial projects to improve physical connectivity while those removed from the list will still proceed as part of the regular government programs.
The new projects were added in the IFP list after complying with criteria set by the Board including having a total project cost (TPC) of at least P2.5 billion while those delisted have a TPC below P2.5 billion.
“Our list of IFPs under the Build-Better-More Program serves as a prioritization tool to identify high-impact infrastructure projects that require immediate government support. By rationalizing the list, we ensure the implementation of as many important infrastructure projects of high significance as possible,” Balisacan said.
The new projects were added in the IFP list after complying with criteria set by the Board including having a total project cost (TPC) of at least P2.5 billion while those delisted have a TPC below P2.5 billion.
As of the fourth quarter of 2023, 74 IFPs were already being implemented, 30 had been approved for implementation, 10 were awaiting government approval, and 83 were undergoing project or pre-project preparation.
Of the 74 ongoing projects, 19 are scheduled to be finished this year, NEDA Undersecretary Joseph Capuno told the Board.
In 2023, the Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project was completed in June and inaugurated in July.
“We will continue to monitor, review, and update the list of IFPs as necessary to prioritize the most important infrastructure projects. The NEDA Board is committed to approving measures needed to expedite the implementation of the Build Better More Program,” Balisacan added.
The NEDA Board also approved changes in the scope of the Davao City Bypass Construction Project following reassessment of the overall cost, considering its expanded scope and the post-pandemic market conditions.
A supplemental loan amounting to P14.6 billion was approved, as the total cost rose to P70.8 billion for the implementation of the project which was extended until Dec. 31, 2027.
Once completed, the 45.5-kilometer, four-lane road project is expected to reduce travel time between Davao City and Panabo City to 49 minutes from one hour and 44 minutes.
“While this project was first approved by the NEDA Board in 2015, its implementation was hampered by the pandemic. The changes in the project scope and cost will ensure that this key infrastructure project receives the necessary support for its successful completion,” the NEDA chief stated.
Meanwhile, the Board has also confirmed the Integrated Water Resources Master Plan (IWMP) which is a comprehensive national policy for water resources management.
Led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Water Resources Management Office, the IWMP ensures access to sufficient water supply even during adverse weather conditions like the El Niño. – avds
