NEDA Board Approves PHP70.6-B in Regional Projects

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has approved projects totaling PHP70.6 billion to bolster regional development.

The Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP), led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), will receive PHP56.7 billion.

This initiative aims to enhance resilience planning and provide investments for vulnerable communities.

It is expected to benefit approximately 4.13 million households across 500 municipalities.

Supported by the World Bank, the PCRP targets areas with high poverty rates, frequent climatic hazards, and significant indigenous populations.

The project succeeds the DSWD’s KALAHI-CIDSS program, focusing on community-driven development.

The Board also approved the PHP13.9-billion Tumauini River Multipurpose Project in Isabela.

This project aims to irrigate about 8,200 hectares across 32 barangays, including 26 in Tumauini, three in Cabagan, and three in the City of Ilagan.

Scheduled from September 2025 to September 2030, it is expected to boost productivity and income for 5,860 farmers, supporting the government’s rice production and food security goals.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive growth.

“By prioritizing regional growth, we are not only enhancing infrastructure but also creating sustainable economic opportunities throughout the country,” he said.

“These initiatives reflect our vision of a nation where every region thrives and plays a significant role in driving national progress.”

The Board also approved changes to the Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project Phase II, which involves constructing a 105.5-meter-high dam and reservoir in the Zambales mountains.

This project aims to irrigate 21,935 hectares of new service areas and stabilize irrigation for 12,475 hectares from its first phase.

Additionally, the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project received approval for scope changes and loan reallocations.

This project aims to enhance economic growth in Mindanao by improving road infrastructure and ensuring its resilience.

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center reported 224 ongoing projects, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Metro Rail Transit Line 7.

An additional 175 projects are in the pipeline, such as the Iloilo International Airport and the Boracay Bridge Project.

Balisacan stressed the importance of coordination and streamlined processes to address implementation challenges.

“By enhancing our planning, oversight, and collaboration, we can reduce delays and ensure that infrastructure projects are delivered on time to benefit our communities and support economic growth,” he concluded.