The board of the National Economic and Development Authority Board approved on Nov. 29 seven new projects amounting to P187.34 billion, which include three from the Department of Transportation, three from Department of Public Works and Highways, and one to be implemented by the Department of Health.
“Five out of seven of these new projects will be implemented outside the National Capital Region. This shows that the administration is committed to develop growth centers in the regions and maximize the economic benefits of connectivity of communities,” said Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia in a statement.
The DOTr projects include the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project, Unsolicited Proposal for the New Bohol Panglao International Airport and the Unsolicited Build-Operate-Transfer Proposal: Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The Davao Public Transport Modernization Project involves the delivery of a modern, high priority bus system for Davao City; the Unsolicited Proposal for the New Bohol International Airport project covers operations and maintenance and enhancement of the airport; and the Unsolicited Build-Operate-Transfer Proposal: Ninoy Aquino International Airport aims to address NAIA’s capacity constraint by reconfiguring and renovating facilities and enhancing O&M.
The other four new projects include Pasacao-Balatan Coastal Tourism Highway; Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project; and Camarines Sur High-Speed Highway of the DPWH; and the Development Objective Assistance Agreement: Improved Health for Underserved Filipinos of the DOH.
The Pasacao-Balatan Coastal Tourism Highway will provide access to various tourism sites and give a direct link between Pasacao and Balatan; the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project will reduce travel time and reliability constraints currently experienced through the use of ferry services; and the Camarines Sur High-Speed Highway will serve as an alternate route from Legazpi or Caramoan to Manila, and vice versa.