NEDA board approves P70.6 billion in projects to drive regional development

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has approved %u20B170.6 billion worth of new projects aimed at strengthening regional growth and infrastructure across the country.

During its 25th meeting on Wednesday, the NEDA Board gave the green light to several key initiatives, including the %u20B156.7-billion Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP). Spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with support from the World Bank, the project is set to benefit over 4.1 million households in 500 municipalities. It will focus on boosting community resilience, participatory planning, and investments in climate-vulnerable areas.

Another major project approved is the %u20B113.9-billion Tumauini River Multipurpose Project in Isabela, which aims to irrigate 8,200 hectares and improve the livelihoods of nearly 6,000 farmers. Scheduled for implementation from September 2025 to September 2030, the project covers 32 barangays across Tumauini, Cabagan, and the City of Ilagan.

The Board also approved adjustments to the scope and cost of the Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project Phase 2, which includes constructing a 105.5-meter-high dam to irrigate over 21,900 hectares of new service areas in Zambales and stabilize irrigation in areas covered under the project’s first phase.

Additionally, the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project received approval for scope adjustments and loan reallocation to enhance road and bridge infrastructure and support economic growth in the region.

“These projects reflect our commitment to inclusive growth by enhancing infrastructure and generating sustainable economic opportunities across all regions,” said NEDA Secretary and Board Vice Chair Arsenio Balisacan.

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center also provided updates, reporting 224 ongoing projects, including major developments like the Ninoy Aquino International Airport expansion and the Metro Rail Transit Line 7. An additional 175 projects, such as the Iloilo International Airport upgrade and the Boracay Bridge Project, are in the pipeline.

Balisacan emphasized the importance of improving inter-agency coordination and streamlining approval processes to avoid delays and ensure that infrastructure projects deliver timely benefits to communities and bolster national economic growth.