NEDA Board OKs basic education dev't plan, higher cost of PGH cancer center project

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved a medium-term basic education plan under the Department of Education (DepEd) and a higher project cost for a world-class cancer center of the University of the Philippines (UP) Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

During the NEDA Board meeting on Thursday chaired by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the following initiatives were approved:

• the DepEd's Basic Education Development Plan (BEDP) for 2030 and the MATATAG Agenda, which aims to provide all children, out-of-school youth, and adults with equal access to quality basic education; 
• changes to the parameters, terms, and conditions of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Cancer Center, including an increase in the project cost from P6.05 billion to P9.49 billion; and 
• new guidelines of the NEDA Board Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) covering the review and approval of National PPP Proposals to make processing shorter and more efficient.

According to NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, the recently approved items will promote Filipinos' access to high-quality lifelong learning and better health facilities and create a streamlined process for high-impact PPPs.

"The NEDA Board recognizes the importance of human development in pursuing social and economic transformation. The BEDP 2030 is the country's first medium-term plan for basic education, covering formal K-to-12 education and non-formal education for youth and adults," Balisacan said in a press release.

"This initiative primarily addresses our students' learning losses during the pandemic and strengthens the government's investment in the welfare of our children," Balisacan added.

The BEDP 2030 and the MATATAG Agenda are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 on providing quality education.

They are also consistent with AmBisyon Natin 2040 and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which aim to improve education and promote lifelong learning.

MATATAG refers to the program's four critical components: MAking the curriculum relevant; (2) TAking steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education facilities and services; (3) TAking good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and (4) Giving support to teachers to be able to teach better.

UP-PGH Cancer Center

Meanwhile, the increase in the UP-PGH Cancer Center's project cost will cover the higher construction overhead, primarily due to the rise in a built-up area, as well as the procurement of cutting-edge technology and equipment to provide patients and medical students with world-class services and facilities for education.

To cover the additional expenses, the UP-PGH updated the bidding documents to comply with the PPP mode of procurement.

Finally, the new guidelines of the NEDA Board ICC on reviewing and approving national PPP proposals come in the wake of the approval of the PPP Code of the Philippines and the latter's implementing rules and regulations.

Under the new guidelines, ICC approval for projects costing P15 billion and above is expected to be completed within 113 calendar days, with a maximum limit of 120 calendar days. — VDV, GMA Integrated News