The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved projects focused on strengthening the country’s maritime security and flood management capabilities.
A statement released after the NEDA Board meeting on Tuesday, said the approved projects is led by the acquisition of 40 units of fast patrol craft (FPC) by the Department of Transportation and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
This project, valued at P25.8 billion and funded through official development assistance from the French government, includes 40 FPCs, 20 of which will be locally built, Integrated Logistics Support and support equipment for PCG bases.
These patrol crafts will enhance the country’s response capabilities in search and rescue operations, environmental protection, maritime law enforcement and disaster response.
“The project aligns with the government’s objective of enhancing maritime security by upgrading the capabilities of institutions such as the Philippine Coast Guard,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.
“The new FPCs will help deter smuggling and illegal activities while ensuring the enforcement of maritime sovereignty in critical marine areas,” Balisacan added.
The Board approved extensions and cost increases for two flood-control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways: the Cavite Industrial Area-Flood Risk Management Project (CIA-FRMP) and the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project, Phase IV (PMRCIP IV).
Both projects will receive supplemental loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The CIA-FRMP’s implementation period has been extended to September 2029, with project cost hiked to P22.03 billion.
The project seeks to improve flood management in Imus, Noveleta, Rosario, Kawit and General Trias in Cavite by developing the San Juan River Basin and Maalimango Creek.
The revised scope of the project includes, among others, the changes in the design and width of the San Juan Diversion Channels and weir, development of new drainage channels, modification in bridge designs, construction of sluice gate and other additional works.
The PMRCIP IV’s implementation period has been extended to March 2031, with the project cost increasing to P57.7 billion from P33.1 billion.
The project involves constructing flood management infrastructure such as dikes/revetments, flood gates and channel dredging works.
Specifically, it targets improving the middle Marikina River area, installing drainage facilities, constructing the Marikina Control Gate Structure and two floodgates, and processing land acquisition.
“The changes in scope and design of our flood-control projects take into account stronger typhoons and changes in rainfall patterns, thereby strengthening our resilience to weather-related disasters,” Balisacan said.
“These adjustments will help mitigate the severe economic and social impacts of flooding in the NCR and CALABARZON, which have consistently affected the country’s economic performance,” he added.
Lastly, the NEDA Board approved the Philippine International Exhibition Center project of the Philippine Reclamation Authority, costing P27 billion, which would allow the country to accommodate large events, such as international exhibitions, conventions, and trade shows.
This project, aligned with the National Tourism Development Plan, aims to cater the growing demand for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism and position the Philippines as a leader in hospitality and MICE tourism in Southeast Asia.
