Six new projects up for NEDA Board approval

At least six new projects are up for approval during the first meeting of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board in 2018.

“We expect to have six more to be proposed to the NEDA Board ad referendum,” Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning Jonathan Uy told reporters in a briefing at the NEDA headquarters in Pasig City on Thursday.

“The first will be the Safe Philippines Project. This is a major project by the Philippine government with support from the Chinese government. This provides support for peace and order,” he added.

Along with this, also up for NEDA Board approval will be the acquisition of six marine disaster response helicopters, and the Bridge Construction Acceleration Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The other projects are the additional financing of the Bohol Airport, the Circumferential Road for the Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project, and the Jalaur River Multipurpose Irrigation Project in Iloilo.

Uy noted the Samar project has been delayed due to the crossfire between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the New People’s Army.

“This has been delayed particularly [because] of peace and order situation,” he said.

This year alone, the NEDA Board approved 20 projects  including adjustments to the project proposals.

“We feel encouraged, we feel highly motivated to work harder because of the accomplishments we have made in 2017,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said. — VDS, GMA News