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The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved 23 new projects and delisted 36 others from the government’s list of infrastructure flagship projects
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This adjustment brings the total number of IFPs to 185, with a total value of P9.14 trillion
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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 either project or pre-project preparation
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved 23 new projects and delisted 36 others from the government’s list of infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs).
This adjustment, approved during the Board’s 14th meeting on February 27, now brings the total number of IFPs to 185, with a total value of P9.14 trillion.
NEDA Secretary and NEDA Board vice chair Arsenio Balisacan in a statement said the decision means crucial projects are getting priority treatment, ensuring they receive the necessary support for efficient and accelerated implementation.
“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 added.
He noted, however, that certain projects removed from the list will still proceed as planned as they are already part of regular government programs, although now no longer IFPs.
NEDA undersecretary Joseph Capuno reported that as of the fourth quarter of 2023, 74 IFPs were already being implemented, 30 were approved for implementation, 10 were awaiting government approval, and 83 were undergoing either project or pre-project preparation.
In 2023, one project on the IFP list, the Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project, was completed on June 30 and inaugurated on July 14.
Among the 74 ongoing projects, 19 are scheduled to be completed this year.
“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 said.
The NEDA Board also approved changes in the scope of the Davao City Bypass Construction Project.
The decision came after reassessing the overall cost of the project, considering its expanded scope and the new post-pandemic market conditions. Consequently, the Board approved a supplemental loan of P14.6 billion for the project, as the total cost rose to P70.8 billion. The changes will also involve extending the implementation period until December 31, 2027.
This project intends to improve the physical connectivity between Davao City and Panabo City. It is expected to reduce travel time and improve the traffic situation between the two cities from 1 hour and 44 minutes to 49 minutes.
READ: Davao City bypass project targets 2028 completion
“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,” Balisacan said.
The NEDA Board also confirmed the Integrated Water Resources Master Plan (IWMP) spearheaded by the Water Resources Management Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The IWMP will serve as the comprehensive national policy for managing water resources in the country to ensure that everyone has access to sufficient water supply at any time, particularly during adverse weather conditions such as El Niño.
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