The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on Tuesday approved projects aimed at strengthening the country’s maritime security and flood management capabilities.
The NEDA board approved the acquisition of 40 fast patrol crafts (FPC) by the Department of Transportation and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Valued at P25.8 billion, the project, funded by the French government, includes 20 locally built FPCs, Integrated Logistics Support, and support equipment for PCG bases.
“The project aligns with the government’s objective of enhancing maritime security by upgrading the capabilities of institutions such as the Philippine Coast Guard,” said NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. “The new FPCs will help deter smuggling and illegal activities while ensuring the enforcement of maritime sovereignty in critical marine areas.”
The NEDA Board also 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 loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The CIA-FRMP’s implementation period was extended to September 2029, with project costs increasing to P22.03 billion. The project aims to improve flood management in Cavite province by developing the San Juan River Basin and Maalimango Creek.
The PMRCIP IV’s implementation period has been extended to March 2031, with project costs increasing to P57.7 billion. The project involves constructing flood management infrastructure such as dikes/revetments, flood gates, and channel dredging works.
“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.”
The NEDA Board also approved the Philippine International Exhibition Center project of the Philippine Reclamation Authority, costing P27 billion.
Aligned with the National Tourism Development Plan, the project aims to cater to 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.
