NEDA approves National Transport Policy
Updated June 30, 2017 – 12:00am
http://www.philstar.com/
MANILA, Philippines – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board has approved a National Transport Policy (NTP) that will unify all transport-related projects in the country, in addition to P305.64 billion worth of transportation and development projects cleared in its June 27 meeting.
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA chief Ernesto Pernia said the policy envisions the establishment of a transport system that is “ safe, secure, reliable, efficient, integrated, intermodal, affordable, cost-effective, environmentally sustainable and people-oriented.”
“The NTP is a priority strategy reflected in the PDP (Philippine Development Plan) as we seek to provide accessible social services through better connectivity,” he said.
The NEDA board, chaired by President Duterte, also approved 11 projects carved out of the list of flagship projects.
These are the Mindanao Railway Project Phase 1 Tagum-Davao-Digos Segment (P35.26 billion), Malolos-Clark Railway Project (PNR North 2) (P211.43 billion), Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management Project (P9.89 billion), Clark International Airport Expansion Project (P12.55 billion), Education Pathways to Peace in Conflict-Affected Areas of Mindanao (P3.47 billion), Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program – Philippines (P1.19 billion).
On the list are change in financing of Chico River Pump Irrigation Project (P2.7 billion), New Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management Systems Development Project: 30-month loan validity extension and reallocation of funds (P10.87 billion), new configuration of the LRT Line 1 North Extension Project – Common Station / Unified Grand Central Station (North Extension Project) (P2.8 billion), change in scope, cost and financing Arrangements for the Arterial Road Bypass Project Phase II (P4.62 billion), change in financing of the New Centennial Water Source – Kaliwa Dam Project (P10.86 billion).
All the projects would be financed either through government allocations or official development assistance loans.
Pernia said President Duterte ordered agencies to pursue projects that can be completed in the medium term.
“The admonition though of the President is to get into projects that can be finished within his term. We have to be more selective in projects that will be approved,” he told reporters.
Pernia said the government is determined to immediately address the huge infrastructure gap in the country within the term of the current administration.
“This administration is serious, is resolute to address the country’s huge backlog in physical and human infrastructure. We will see to it that these plans will come through and will not be shelved as in the past,” said Pernia
There will be another NEDA board meeting in July during which three big-ticket infrastructure projects are expected to be deliberated on, chief among which is the first phase of the Mega Manila Subway Project for which funding of $4.4 billion from the Japan International Cooperation Agency is being sought.
