The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board said it has approved two projects focused on community resilience and irrigation, with a combined cost of P70.6 billion.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NEDA Board, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., approved during its 25th meeting on March 19 key local projects aimed at boosting infrastructure and economic progress across the country.
The Board approved the P56.7 billion Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the P13.9-billion Tumauini River Multipurpose Project by the National Irrigation Administration in Isabela.
Economic Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, who serves as the Board’s vice chair, said these projects reflect the government’s commitment to promote inclusive growth.
“By prioritizing regional growth, we are not only enhancing infrastructure but also creating sustainable economic opportunities throughout the country,” Balisacan said.
The community resilience project will benefit 4.13 million households across 500 municipalities in the country. It aims to strengthen community capacities so they can participate in resilience planning. This will increase their access to resilient investments for critical projects in vulnerable areas.
Supported by the World Bank, the project targets areas with high incidence of poverty, as well as areas that usually experience severe climatic hazards, stunting rates and significant indigenous populations.
NEDA said this will enhance the communities’ ability to withstand and recover from economic shocks related to natural disasters.
The Tumauini River project is designed to irrigate about 8,200 hectares across 26 barangays in Tumauini, three barangays in Cabagan and three other barangays in the City of Ilagan.
It is to be implemented from September 2025 to September 2030. It aims to elevate the productivity and income of 5,860 farmer-beneficiaries and support the government’s pursuit of rice production and food security.
The Board also approved requests for changes in scope, cost and implementation period for the Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project Phase II.
By building a 105.5-meter-high dam and reservoir in the Zambales mountains, the project aims to irrigate 21,935 hectares of new service areas and stabilize irrigation for 12,475 hectares once the first phase is in place.
Also approved was the request for a change in scope and the reallocation of loan proceeds for the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project, details of which were not disclosed.
The project aims to boost economic growth in Mindanao by improving roads and bridges, while ensuring resilience in road infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center provided updates on the progress of the PPP projects to the NEDA Board.
As of this writing, NEDA said 224 projects are ongoing, such as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Bulacan International Airport, Laguindingan and Bohol International Airports and the Metro Rail Transit Line 7.
“To address issues in project implementation, we must strengthen our coordination and streamline processes across all levels of government and among stakeholders. This includes proactively managing issues such as site conditions, funding and approvals,” Balisacan said.
“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 added.
