The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board in its meeting yesterday approved key changes to the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) Project and has set the terms for the Bohol-Panglao and Laguindingan airport projects.
In its 19th meeting the NEDA Board gave the green light to modifications in the Phase 1 scope of the LLRN Project, which now includes the development of connecting roads and interchanges in various locations. These locations encompass Barangay Tunasan in Muntinlupa City, and San Pedro, Biñan and Cabuyao in Laguna.
“The NEDA Board recognizes the significant potential of this project in reducing transportation constraints on existing road networks, promoting economic development in the region and providing safer, more convenient and faster travel for road users coming from the north and south to various tourist and business destinations in Laguna and nearby provinces,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a statement yesterday.
Initially approved in 2021, the project entails the construction of a 37.5-kilometer primary road and a 12-kilometer viaduct from Lower Bicutan, Taguig to Tunasan, Muntinlupa, along with a 25.5-kilometer shoreline viaduct and embankment from Tunasan, Muntinlupa, to Calamba, Laguna.
Upon its completion in 2027, the project is expected to stimulate economic activity in the National Capital Region, Calabarzon and Central Luzon.
The second phase of the LLRN Project, which will traverse the eastern portion of Laguna Lake from Binangonan, Rizal to Calamba, Laguna, is currently under feasibility study which will be completed by December 2024. The project will have an approximate mainline total length of 71.5 kilometers.
Meanwhile, the NEDA Board also approved the negotiated parameters, terms and conditions (PTCs) for the Bohol-Panglao International Airport Project, and changes to the NEDA Board-approved negotiated PTCs for the Laguindingan International Airport Project.
The approved PTCs for the upgrade of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport aim to resolve ambiguities in compliance with the recently enacted Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, which came into effect after the airport project was approved.
With a total cost of P4.5 billion, this expansion project aims to increase the maximum passenger throughput from two million to at least 2.5 million passengers per year at the project’s start and to at least 3.9 million by the end of the project.
The Board also approved changes to the PTCs for the upgrade and expansion of the Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental, following deliberations at the Cabinet Committee of the Investment Coordination Committee.
These include guidelines for the adjustment of the passenger service charge, which will be contingent upon achieving the set key performance indicators and minimum performance standards and specifications for operation and maintenance during the concession period.
With a total cost of P12.75 billion, the project entails upgrading the existing facilities, capacity augmentation, installation of required equipment, enhancement of airside facilities and comprehensive operations and maintenance services.
The project is expected to improve the airport’s capabilities significantly, ensuring it meets the growing demands of Northern Mindanao over the years.
“The expansion of these international airports is a testament to the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity across regional centers in the Philippines. We expect these projects to significantly boost tourism, and as a result, generate more high-quality jobs,” Balisacan said.
Meanwhile, the Board has also approved an additional $30 million loan to support the Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF).
The PDMF provides a project preparation facility for implementing agencies to undertake pre-investment activities, such as developing feasibility studies for potential PPP projects and engaging high-quality transaction advisors.
The facility will provide support throughout the preparation, development, approval, procurement, coordination and monitoring of various PPP projects.
“As we strive to expand private sector participation in our infrastructure projects, this additional support for the PMDF will ensure that our PPP undertakings are meticulously planned and executed to the highest standards. It will also guarantee continued access to international sources of innovation, expertise, advice, and best practices in the development and implementation of PPP projects,” Balisacan added.
President Marcos Jr. also highlighted the benefits expected from the implementation of the discussed projects in the NEDA Board meeting.
“Laguna and nearby areas are set for major infrastructure upgrades with the LLRN project, while the PDMF ensures our public-private partnerships deliver real benefits to every Filipino,” Marcos said in a Facebook post. (A. Celis, J. Montemayor)
