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The National Economic and Development Authority Board has approved P269.7 billion projects, including the Bohol-Panglao Airport expansion
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Also green lit was the increase in the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge project cost to P219.3 billion due to the project’s longer implementation period
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved P269.7 billion worth of projects, including the P4.5-billion expansion of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.
When the project starts the airport is expected to serve 2.5 million passengers per year from the current 2 million; capacity may reach 3.9 million upon completion.
The NEDA Board, headed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., also approved higher cost for the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge project, to P219.3 billion from P175.6 billion due to longer implementation period (December 2029).
The project involves construction of a 32.15-kilometer bridge over Manila Bay, promising to reduce travel time between Bataan and Cavite from 4-5 hours to 30-45 minutes.
Changes to the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit project cost, scope and timeline were likewise given the thumbs up. The revamped plan, valued at P28.78 billion, includes mixed traffic sections from Bulacao-Talisay, SRP-Talisay, and IT Park-Talamban, increased stations and terminals, route optimization, and a boost in the number of buses.
The extended implementation period stretches to the end of December 2027, with an extended loan validity from the Agence Française de Développement and the World Bank until September 2027.
Another project approved was the Dialysis Center Public-Private Partnership Project in Baguio General Hospital worth P392 million. Chronic kidney disease is the tenth leading cause of death in the Philippines.
The hospital currently has 30 hemodialysis machines, all running at full capacity. The project will increase the number of machines to 108 by 2029.
In addition, a number of official development assistance projects were approved, designed to help green economy plans and speed up infrastructure projects.
Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility’s Second Additional Financing is a P13.08-billion project, with P11.38 billion from the Asian Development Bank. The project promises to turbocharge the preparation phase of infrastructure flagship projects, ensuring quicker project completion and faster development.
The Green Economy Programme is a P3.62-billion grant from the European Union. The project will help the national government, local government units, and private businesses embrace green practices. The focus is on reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and strengthening the circular economy.
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