Regions outside Metro Manila will get a big share of the total number of infrastructure programs and projects of the Philippine government over the medium-term, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.
Of the total 4,985 infrastructure programs and projects listed in the government’s investment program for the period 2017-2022, some 98 projects are inter-regional, and 3,911 projects, excluding those in the National Capital Region, are region specific, NEDA said in a statement.
“If you look at the data, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has the highest number of projects. This dispels the notion that government projects are centered in Mega Manila,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said.
Over the medium term, from 2017 to 2022, ARMM will get a total of 1,340 projects while Metro Manila will have 320 projects.
The investment requirements of the inter-regional projects amount to P3.32 trillion and the region-specific projects excluding Metro Manila amount to P1.164 trillion.
Furthermore, 161 infrastructure projects nationwide worth P2.29 trillion will be rolled out for implementation by 2022.
“Through these projects, we are making headway in improving connectivity and promoting economic clusters in regional and sub-regional growth centers. This is consistent with the country’s National Spatial Strategy (NSS),” Pernia said.
The NSS takes into account population trends, economic activities, and services in defining the country’s desired spatial structure.
The government’s massive infrastructure program needs a total of P9.04 trillion in investments over six years. This amount, however, does not include investments in infrastructure projects to be funded purely by local government units, government-owned and controlled corporations, the private sector, and other sources.
NEDA said that “given the country’s sound macroeconomic fundamentals and strong fiscal position, 78% or P7.096 trillion will be funded by the national government through its annual appropriation of funds.”
In the February 7 meeting of the NEDA Board Committee on Infrastructure-Cabinet Committee, it approved NEDA’s provisional work plan for 2018, the proposed draft implementing rules and regulations of the National Transport Policy, and the guidelines for utilizing the Project Development and Other Related Studies Fund for the conduct of feasibility studies, master plan formulations, analyses, and other pre-investment activities.
